Two arrested in attempted kidnapping of Sandbox co-founder’s wife
Two of six suspects were arrested after attempting to abduct the wife of The Sandbox co‑founder Sébastien Borget in Île‑de‑France; they called an Uber and were intercepted.
Two of six suspects were arrested after an alleged attempt to kidnap the wife of The Sandbox co‑founder Sébastien Borget at her home in Île‑de‑France. Neighbors intervened and the woman was not injured.
Authorities say one attacker, dressed as a delivery driver, convinced the woman to open the gate. Five masked accomplices then entered the courtyard and tried to force her into a nearby car. Neighbors confronted the group, which caused the suspects to abandon the attempt; four left in the vehicle while two ran on foot and ordered a ride.
Officers from the Meaux Anti‑Crime Brigade intercepted the ride and arrested the two suspects who had fled on foot. Investigators recovered a replica handgun, cable ties and balaclavas from the arrested men. Four suspects remain at large and investigators are working to identify and locate them.
Preliminary inquiries link the episode to a pattern of crimes known as wrench attacks, in which criminals target cryptocurrency holders or their relatives for kidnapping or extortion. Web3 security firm CertiK has reported a rise in such attacks in Europe, with France identified as a frequent location since 2025. The firm notes many perpetrators appear to be inexperienced recruits contacted through messaging apps and that organizers may be based outside France.
Blockchain analytics firm TRM Labs has documented an increase in these incidents and points to factors including the perceived pseudonymity of crypto transactions, visible displays of wealth and the ready availability of personal data online. Security researcher Jameson Lopp, chief security officer at Casa, maintains a list of wrench‑style cases and has recorded dozens so far this year; his database extends back to 2014.
French authorities have handled similar cases in recent years, including attempts to abduct family members of crypto executives and the recovery of a kidnapped relative of a crypto entrepreneur. The current investigation is ongoing and authorities reported the victim suffered no physical injuries.
The material on GNcrypto is intended solely for informational use and must not be regarded as financial advice. We make every effort to keep the content accurate and current, but we cannot warrant its precision, completeness, or reliability. GNcrypto does not take responsibility for any mistakes, omissions, or financial losses resulting from reliance on this information. Any actions you take based on this content are done at your own risk. Always conduct independent research and seek guidance from a qualified specialist. For further details, please review our Terms, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers.
Articles by this author
