French authorities are investigating an attempted kidnapping targeting the wife of Sébastien Borget, Co-Founder of The Sandbox, after masked attackers reportedly tried to abduct her at the family’s home near Paris this week. According to French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche, six suspects entered the property in Villenoy, Seine-et-Marne, after one posed as a delivery worker, holding a fake package to lure Borget’s wife to the gate, to gain access to the residence.
Investigators believe the attack may have targeted the family because of their ties to the cryptocurrency industry. The Le Journal du Dimanche (LEJDD) report said five masked suspects rushed into the courtyard after the victim opened the gate and attempted to force her into a waiting vehicle. However, neighbours responded to her screams and interrupted the attack, forcing the group to flee before police later arrested two suspects nearby.
Sébastien Borget is Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Sandbox, an Ethereum-based virtual world focused on NFTs and blockchain gaming. The Sandbox is owned by Hong Kong-based Animoca Brands and raised approximately $93 million in November 2021 during the metaverse market peak. The platform has since gone through multiple rounds of layoffs in 2024-2025 as the metaverse trend cooled.
Authorities make initial arrests
Police later arrested two suspects after officers intercepted a ride-hailing vehicle near the scene. French authorities identified them as teenagers born in 2009 and 2010 from Pantin in Seine-Saint-Denis. Investigators reportedly recovered a fake handgun, zip-tie restraints, and balaclavas from the suspects during the arrest.
Meanwhile, four additional suspects remain at large as France’s central security directorate continues the investigation. Early findings suggest the attempted abduction may have targeted the family because of connections to the cryptocurrency industry, according to French media reports.
France emerges as epicenter of crypto kidnappings
The attempted kidnapping adds to a growing wave of crypto-related violence across France. Figures cited by LEJDD showed authorities recorded 41 crypto-linked kidnappings or attempted abductions since January 2026. Investigators have also documented 135 similar cases since 2023, making France the center of most reported crypto-targeted attacks in Europe.
In April, attackers reportedly kidnapped a woman and her 11-year-old child in Burgundy while demanding a €400,000 ransom from a cryptocurrency entrepreneur. French authorities later rescued both victims and arrested the suspects connected to the case.
Meanwhile, French officials face mounting pressure to strengthen protection for crypto investors and executives. Speaking at Paris Blockchain Week, Jean-Didier Berger said authorities introduced “preventative measures” against crypto wrench attacks and launched a prevention platform that attracted thousands of registrations.
However, investigators increasingly link younger suspects to these operations. The arrests connected to the latest case involved teenagers aged 15 and 16, according to French media reports. As a result, the trend has raised broader concerns about organized criminal groups recruiting minors for crypto-related crimes.
Also Read: Bipartisan PARITY Act Seeks Major Overhaul of US Crypto Tax Rules
