Sandbox co-founder's wife targeted in kidnapping attempt at French home
In brief
- Sébastien Borget's wife targeted in kidnapping attempt at Villenoy home by six individuals disguised as deliveryman.
- Two teenagers arrested with fake handgun, zip-ties, and balaclavas; four suspects remain at large.
- France recorded 135 crypto-linked kidnapping incidents since 2023, nearly 80% of all European cases.
- National Directorate of Judicial Police documented 41 crypto-kidnapping attempts in France this year.
Incident Details
Authorities discovered the arrested pair carrying a fake handgun, zip-tie restraints, and balaclavas at the time of their apprehension. The two teenagers, identified as Mateo V. (born 2010) and Walid H., now face charges in connection with the alleged kidnapping attempt at the Borget residence in Villenoy, Seine-et-Marne. The coordinated nature of the attack—one decoy, multiple accomplices, and specialized restraints—mirrors tactics increasingly documented in France's crypto crime wave.
Borget responded to the incident with a statement of gratitude. "Thank you for the outpouring of love, thoughtful messages, and deeply caring words for my family. We're truly touched by your kindness and support," he said.
France's Crypto Crime Crisis
France has emerged as an epicenter of so-called "wrench attacks," in which crypto owners are threatened with kidnapping and physical violence to force them to give access to their wallets. The scale is staggering. The National Directorate of the Judicial Police has recorded 41 crypto-linked kidnapping attempts since the start of the year, and there have been 135 total crypto-related kidnapping incidents in France documented since 2023—representing nearly 80% of all European cases.
The Borget case isn't isolated. Ledger co-founder David Balland was kidnapped and mutilated. A home invasion attempt targeted Binance France's CEO. A magistrate and her mother were abducted for a crypto ransom. These aren't anomalies—they're part of a documented pattern. 88 individuals have been charged across 12 active judicial investigations related to crypto-linked kidnappings.
Government Response
Vulnerabilities in France's identity infrastructure have compounded the problem. A leak at national ID agency ANTS exposed the personal data of 12 million citizens, making it easier for criminals to locate and target crypto figures. In response, during Paris Blockchain Week 2026, Minister Delegate Jean-Didier Berger unveiled preventive measures including a dedicated prevention platform. Additionally, select French cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families have been assigned enhanced security.