French police arrest 12 suspects suspected of planning cryptocurrency kidnapping case Odaily Planet Daily reported that the Lyon police in France have arrested 12 suspects suspected of planning a cryptocurrency kidnapping case in August last year. Previously, about 150 armed military police raided a building near Valence train station in the Dr ô me area on August 31, 2025, rescuing a 22-year-old Swiss man who had been kidnapped for four days. The kidnappers demanded payment of ransom in cryptocurrency, and the victims suffered severe abuse and harm during their imprisonment. The police stated that this arrest is the result of several months of investigation, and about 20 relevant personnel have been identified and involved so far. On the day of the operation, one mastermind and two others were arrested. In early September, seven more people were arrested, including six between the ages of 24 and 30 and one under the age of 18. The prosecutor has charged the above-mentioned individuals with kidnapping, illegal detention, organized crime, extortion, illegal possession of weapons, and conspiracy. On March 2nd, the police launched another large-scale operation, arresting 18 people, of whom 3 were detained. In addition, Versailles police are pursuing three suspects who impersonated police officers and robbed a couple worth $1 million in Bitcoin with knives. From July 2023 to the end of 2025, the French police handled a total of 40 cases of cryptocurrency related kidnapping.