A suspected attacker posing as a delivery driver attempted to extort a crypto holder at gunpoint in Saint-Jean-de-Védas, near Montpellier, marking a rare but escalating form of crypto-related crime.
According to local reports, the suspect entered the family home, threatened occupants with a handgun, and forced them into a room before being overpowered by the victim during a struggle in which a shot was fired.
Authorities later arrested a 25-year-old suspect, who has been charged and remains in custody as investigators examine whether others were involved.
The incident reflects a broader rise in so-called “wrench attacks,” where criminals use physical force or threats to extract crypto assets, bypassing digital security measures.
France has emerged as a hotspot for such crimes, recording at least 41 crypto-linked kidnappings and home invasions this year, with attacks occurring roughly every 2.5 days.
Investigators suspect some attackers may be using leaked customer data from crypto firms to identify and target individuals with significant holdings.
Officials, including Jean-Didier Berger, say the government is increasing preventive measures as crypto-related crime shifts from online exploits to real-world violence.