Crypto: A French influencer was kidnapped, but his captors quickly released him

The French crypto ecosystem continues to be targeted by criminals. Despite measures taken by the authorities, a new kidnapping occurred in the Essonne department over the weekend. According to information obtained by our colleagues at Europe 1, the victim is a trader specializing in cryptocurrencies. He became known, particularly on TikTok, by highlighting how he generated profits by buying and reselling digital assets. On the Chinese platform, the 26-year-old has more than 40,000 subscribers.

A violent attack...

His popularity attracted the attention of criminals. On the night of Friday to Saturday, the trader was kidnapped while returning to his home in Juvisy-sur-Orge. The kidnappers forced him into a stolen Renault Clio. To force him into the car, the quartet didn't hesitate to be very violent. The influencer received a series of blows, according to the media.

As in previous kidnappings in France, the kidnappers have no problem using violence on their targets. Several of the victims of the kidnappings that occurred this year were mutilated by their tormentors. David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, even lost a finger while being held by a gang of young bandits willing to do anything to get money.

And a failed extortion attempt

Once the trader was in their hands, the criminals demanded a ransom of €50,000 in cryptocurrency to free him. The criminals were clearly hoping that the influencer would transfer digital currencies to their address in front of them.

Unfortunately for the blackmailers, the influencer did not have such a sum. He even showed his account balance to his captors. Apparently, it was particularly low. The four accomplices, probably disgusted by their discovery, preferred to let their victim go. The crooks clearly overestimated their target's wealth... The incident lasted no more than an hour.

For the moment, it is unknown whether this botched kidnapping is linked to the other kidnappings that have taken place in France since January. The authorities have not revealed whether the criminal network, partially dismantled with the support of the Moroccan police, is behind the operation. In any case, the French police are continuing their investigations and are actively searching for the four individuals who attacked the trader in Essonne.

Source: Europe 1