What happened to The Sandbox co-founder Sébastien Borget’s family in France?

French media reported that six men allegedly attempted to kidnap the wife of The Sandbox co-founder Sébastien Borget at their home in the Île-de-France region. Neighbours intervened during the attack, forcing the suspects to flee before the kidnapping could be completed.

How were two suspects in the attempted crypto-related kidnapping arrested?

According to local reports, two suspects fled on foot after the failed kidnapping attempt and ordered an Uber to escape. Police from the Meaux Anti-Crime Brigade intercepted the vehicle and allegedly found cable ties, balaclavas and a replica handgun.

Why are crypto executives increasingly targeted in wrench attacks?

Crypto holders and executives are often targeted because blockchain wealth can be publicly tracked and criminals may believe victims hold accessible digital assets. Security firms also warn that personal information shared online can make wealthy crypto figures easier to identify and locate.

What is a crypto wrench attack?

A crypto wrench attack is a physical assault, kidnapping or threat designed to force someone to hand over crypto assets or wallet access. Unlike cyber hacks, wrench attacks rely on intimidation or violence in the real world.

Why is France becoming a hotspot for crypto-related kidnappings?

Web3 security firm CertiK recently identified France as a major hotspot for crypto wrench attacks in Europe. Analysts believe the concentration of crypto entrepreneurs and the visibility of wealth in the region may be contributing factors.

What did CertiK say about the people behind crypto wrench attacks?

CertiK said many crypto wrench attacks are carried out by inexperienced criminals recruited through apps like Telegram and Snapchat. The company added that organisers are often located outside the country where the attacks take place.

Were any family members harmed in the attempted kidnapping linked to The Sandbox?

Reports said Borget’s wife was not injured during the attempted abduction. Four suspects reportedly remain on the run while French authorities continue their investigation.

Are crypto-related kidnappings becoming more common globally?

Yes, blockchain intelligence company TRM Labs and security researcher Jameson Lopp have both reported a rise in crypto-related physical attacks. Lopp’s public database has recorded 38 crypto wrench attacks so far in 2026.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

Sandbox co-founder’s wife targeted in failed kidnap

Written by Jon CuthbertPublished May. 22 2026Last Updated May. 22 2026

Two men accused of attempting to kidnap the wife of The Sandbox co-founder Sébastien Borget were arrested after reportedly using Uber to flee the scene in northern France.

French media outlet Le Journal du Dimanche reported that one attacker disguised as a delivery driver convinced Borget’s wife to open the gate at her home in the Île-de-France region before five masked accomplices allegedly tried to force her into a nearby vehicle.

Neighbours intervened during the attempted abduction, forcing the attackers to flee, while two suspects who escaped on foot were later intercepted by the Meaux Anti-Crime Brigade after ordering an Uber.

Police reportedly found a replica handgun, cable ties and balaclavas on the two arrested suspects, while four other alleged members of the group remain on the run.

Preliminary investigations have linked the incident to crypto-related crime amid a broader increase in so-called wrench attacks targeting digital asset investors and executives across Europe, particularly in France.

Web3 security company CertiK said earlier this month that many crypto wrench attacks are carried out by “complete amateurs” recruited through messaging platforms including Telegram and Snapchat, while organisers are often based outside the country.

Blockchain intelligence company TRM Labs previously warned that the perceived pseudonymity of crypto transactions, public visibility of wealth and availability of personal data online have contributed to a rise in physical attacks targeting crypto holders and their relatives.

The incident follows several recent crypto-linked kidnapping cases in France, including an attempted abduction of the daughter and grandchild of exchange executive Pierre Noizat and the rescue of the kidnapped father of a crypto entrepreneur held for ransom, while Casa security chief Jameson Lopp has recorded 38 crypto wrench attacks globally so far this year.