A TikTok crypto trader was kidnapped on June 14 in Juvisy-sur-Orge, a suburb in northern France.
Four attackers reportedly forced the 26-year-old trader into a stolen vehicle and demanded €50,000 ($57,000) in cryptocurrency. The trader creates content for 40,000 followers on TikTok.
According to French radio station Europe 1, the victim was beaten during the abduction. The attackers expected him to hold large crypto amounts.
However, after being shown the actual balance in the trader’s crypto wallet, the kidnappers released him the following day, on June 15.
The incident is now under investigation by France’s Organized and Specialized Crime Division (SDLC).
Authorities confirmed that the trader received six days of work incapacity benefits, a standard procedure for assault victims in France.
Crypto trader released after wallet shows low balance
The TikTok crypto trader told the kidnappers he could not pay the ransom. When he showed them his crypto wallet balance, they reportedly realized he lacked the requested funds. This led to his release without payment.
No public details have been shared about the trader’s identity or the specific cryptocurrencies involved.
The attackers used a stolen car and left no digital trail. As of June 16, police had not announced any arrests.
The case highlights risks linked to crypto traders and online visibility. French police are now reviewing digital evidence and vehicle data in the ongoing investigation.
France sees rise in crypto-related kidnappings
The TikTok crypto trader case is not isolated. On May 13, unidentified attackers attempted to kidnap the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of the French crypto exchange Paymium.
The attempt failed, but the attackers reportedly planned to demand cryptocurrency.
Another high-profile kidnapping happened in early May. The father of a crypto entrepreneur was held for several days. During the incident, the attackers cut off one of his fingers and demanded €7 million ($7.8 million) in crypto. Paris police eventually located and rescued the victim.
Following these incidents, France’s Interior Ministry held meetings with crypto entrepreneurs to address rising safety concerns.
The Ministry has not released further details about future security plans.
25 suspects charged in Paris crypto kidnapping network
On May 31, the Paris public prosecutor’s office filed charges against 25 individuals. The suspects are linked to several crypto-related kidnapping plots targeting families of crypto traders and entrepreneurs. This includes both failed and successful abduction attempts.
In a connected case, Moroccan police arrested a man on June 4, believed to be one of the main organizers behind the French network. The arrest followed cooperation between French and Moroccan law enforcement.
The same report by France 24, published on June 11, stated that more arrests could follow.
Investigators believe the suspects monitored social media to identify wealthy crypto traders and influencers before launching attacks.
TikTok crypto trader among new targets in France
Unlike previous victims connected to exchanges or major companies, the TikTok crypto trader had an online presence but no known links to large assets.
The attackers likely assumed that his follower count meant he held significant crypto funds.
Police have warned that public visibility and discussions about crypto holdings may attract criminal attention.
While no public statements have been made by the TikTok crypto trader, the case has raised awareness about risks for influencers involved in digital assets.
The France crypto kidnapping trend has become a major concern for law enforcement.
The pattern includes threats, violence, and ransom demands paid in crypto. Investigations remain active, with more developments expected.
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