French Couple Tied Up in Home as Armed Attackers Demand Crypto Transfers

Two masked intruders tied up a couple in their home in Alès, southern France, early Saturday and spent more than two hours threatening them in an attempt to force cryptocurrency transactions, local media reported. The attackers fled when police arrived after neighbors heard screams, leaving the couple and their young child inside the property. The case is now being investigated by the Organized and Specialized Crime Division (DCOS) in Nîmes. Attack on the Heights of Alès The assault took place in a residential area on the heights of Alès, where two masked and gloved individuals forced their way into the couple’s home carrying a handgun and a knife. The intruders restrained both residents and kept them under threat while trying to obtain assets through cryptocurrency transactions. The couple’s young child was inside the house during the attack. It was only after neighbors heard screams and alerted officers from the Alès police station that the situation began to unravel. Police arrived at the property, and the attackers fled, leaving the victims behind. No arrests were reported in the initial account. Investigators from the Organized and Specialized Crime Division (DCOS) in Nîmes have taken over the case, which is being treated as a crypto-targeted home invasion. It remains unclear whether the suspects successfully completed any digital asset transfers before police arrived. A Pattern of Violent Crypto Extortion in France The Alès incident fits into a broader and increasingly violent wave of crime targeting cryptocurrency holders and their relatives in France. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said in July that France had recorded 77 cases involving kidnapping, unlawful detention, extortion or attempted crimes connected to cryptocurrency by the end of June. That total had already surpassed the 45 cases recorded throughout 2025. The latest local reporting now puts the number at 80 similar incidents since January, slightly above the government’s earlier summer tally. The figures reflect a sharp escalation in the use of physical violence, home invasions and abduction as tactics to extract digital assets. Crime Category Interior Ministry Count Local Media Update Crypto-linked kidnapping, detention, extortion or attempted crimes by end of June 77 80 since January Cases recorded throughout 2025 45 - Arrests after attacks or preventive operations around 200 not stated Authorities Respond Across Borders According to Nuñez, authorities were expanding intelligence sharing, expert networks and cooperation with other countries in response to the rising number of cases. Some people directing the attacks appeared to be operating from outside France, while lower-level recruits were being used to carry out the violence on the ground. Earlier reporting indicated that around 200 people had been arrested following attacks or preventive operations. The arrests point to a broad law-enforcement effort, even as the number of incidents continues to climb. The investigation in Alès remains active. The DCOS unit in Nîmes, which specializes in organized and serious crime, is leading the probe. No further details were immediately released about the victims, the suspects or whether any cryptocurrency was transferred. Where Did the Armed Crypto Home Invasion Take Place? The attack occurred at a couple’s home in a residential area on the heights of Alès, a city in southern France. Two masked intruders entered the property early Saturday carrying a handgun and a knife. What Did the Attackers Demand from the Couple? The intruders tied up both residents and demanded cryptocurrency transactions while threatening them for more than two hours. The couple’s young child was inside the house during the incident. Were Any Arrests Made After the Attack? As of the initial report, no arrests had been made. The investigation has been handed to the Organized and Specialized Crime Division (DCOS) in Nîmes. How Common Are Crypto-linked Violent Crimes in France? Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said France had recorded 77 cases involving kidnapping, unlawful detention, extortion or attempted crimes connected to cryptocurrency by the end of June, surpassing the 45 cases recorded throughout 2025. Local reports now count 80 similar incidents since January. What Are French Authorities Doing About Crypto-related Attacks? Nuñez said authorities were expanding intelligence sharing, expert networks and cooperation with other countries. Some individuals directing the attacks appear to operate from outside France, while lower-level recruits carry out the violence locally.