French police arrest 12 suspects accused of planning a cryptocurrency kidnapping case

The police in Lyon, France, have arrested 12 suspects accused of planning a cryptocurrency kidnapping case last year. Previously, about 150 armed police officers raided a building near the Valence train station in the Drôme region on August 31, 2025, rescuing a 22-year-old Swiss man who had been kidnapped for four days. The kidnappers demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency, and the victim suffered severe abuse and harm during his captivity.

The police stated that these arrests are the result of months of investigation, and approximately 20 individuals have been identified and involved. On the day of the operation, one mastermind and two others were arrested, and in early September, 7 more were apprehended, including 6 individuals aged between 24 and 30, and 1 who is under 18. The prosecution has charged these individuals with kidnapping, illegal detention, organized crime, extortion, illegal possession of weapons, and conspiracy.

On March 2, the police launched another large-scale operation, arresting 18 people, of whom 3 were detained. Additionally, the Versailles police are pursuing 3 suspects who impersonated police officers to rob a couple of $1 million worth of Bitcoin at knife point. From 2023 to the end of 2025, the French police have handled 40 cryptocurrency-related kidnapping cases.