Former crypto trader Alexander was kidnapped and brutally strangled near Paris on the night of August 26-27, 2025, only to be rescued by police without a ransom payment, highlighting France’s escalating wave of violent crypto-related crime.
This harrowing incident underscores a deeply concerning trend in France, where individuals linked to the cryptocurrency sector are increasingly becoming targets for sophisticated and violent criminal organizations. The brazen nature of these attacks, often involving physical assault and significant ransom demands, signals a dangerous escalation in the pursuit of digital wealth.
According to reports from French media outlet Le Parisien, the kidnapping unfolded between Paris and Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Alexander’s ordeal began when an anonymous caller in Algeria alerted authorities, providing a disturbing photo of the victim tied up and on his knees. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of 10,000 euros for his release. Night investigators from Yvelines quickly initiated an emergency case, successfully geolocating Alexander’s phone to the 10th arrondissement of Paris. The anti-crime brigade (BAC) established surveillance near Alexander’s home in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, anticipating his return. Around 4:00 AM, officers intercepted Alexander as he walked home, visibly shocked and with a bruised, swollen face. He later recounted being strangled until he lost consciousness during his captivity.
Security analysts are observing a disturbing evolution in criminal tactics, moving beyond online scams to direct, physical attacks. “The shift from digital exploits to physical abduction demonstrates a concerning adaptability among criminal groups,” noted a security expert from the French National Gendarmerie’s cybercrime unit. “These perpetrators are highly motivated and are employing increasingly violent methods, forcing the crypto community to rethink personal security.” The incident involving Alexander, where he was released without the ransom being paid, suggests police intervention or external factors disrupted the criminals’ plans.
The French authorities have been actively investigating these cases, leading to significant arrests in previous incidents. In June 2025, twenty-five individuals, including minors, were charged in Paris in connection with a series of kidnappings and attempted abductions targeting prominent figures in France’s cryptocurrency world. Despite these efforts, the persistence of such crimes indicates the challenge of dismantling these networks entirely.
Background Context: France’s Crypto Crime Wave
This latest kidnapping is not an isolated event but part of a documented “wave” of cryptocurrency-related violence sweeping across France. Earlier in 2025, several high-profile incidents sent shockwaves through the crypto community. In January, David Balland, co-founder of crypto firm Ledger, and his partner were abducted, with Balland reportedly subjected to torture, including having his finger seared, before being rescued by elite French forces. May saw another brutal attack where the father of a crypto entrepreneur was kidnapped in broad daylight and had his finger severed, only to be rescued by police. Also in May, criminals attempted to abduct the daughter and grandson of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat in eastern Paris. These incidents prompted French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau to hold an emergency meeting with cryptocurrency leaders to discuss heightened security measures.
In Conclusion, the kidnapping and strangulation of Alexander near Paris serve as a stark reminder of the significant physical risks now associated with holding substantial cryptocurrency assets, particularly in certain regions. The ongoing investigations into this incident, coupled with the broader efforts by French law enforcement, highlight an urgent need for enhanced personal security measures and vigilance among crypto entrepreneurs and investors. As digital wealth continues to attract both legitimate and illicit attention, the spotlight remains on how both individuals and authorities will adapt to protect against these increasingly audacious and violent criminal enterprises.
