Wife of Sandbox co-founder nearly kidnapped! There have been 41 crypto kidnapping cases in France this year.

French media reports that the wife of The Sandbox co-founder was involved in a failed kidnapping attempt on May 20. Fortunately, she was unharmed, and two suspects have been arrested. Preliminary investigations indicate that this attack is related to cryptocurrency assets.

According to France’s Le JDD, the wife of Sébastien Borget, co-founder and COO of the metaverse platform The Sandbox, was targeted in a failed kidnapping outside her home in Seine-et-Marne on the evening of May 20. She was unharmed, and two suspects have been detained. Initial investigations suggest the case is connected to cryptocurrencies.

Thieves disguised as delivery personnel, neighbors heard screams and escaped

The incident occurred on the evening of May 20. One attacker disguised himself as a delivery person, wearing a vest and holding a package; when the victim opened the door, five masked accomplices rushed into the yard and forcibly dragged her toward a Citroën C3, attempting to abduct her. Fortunately, neighbors heard screams and came to check, causing the attackers to abandon their attempt and flee.

Two minors arrested, four others at large

Police have arrested two suspects born in 2009 and 2010, both from Pantin in Seine-Saint-Denis. A realistic-looking gun, handcuffs, and masks were found on them. Four other accomplices are still at large. Investigations indicate that the attack was targeted at the victim’s family’s financial assets.

France becomes the epicenter of crypto kidnapping wave, 41 cases this year

This incident is part of France’s surge in physical attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders. According to statistics from the French judicial police, since January 1, 2026, there have been 41 recorded cases of kidnapping or abduction related to cryptocurrencies, making France the epicenter of this phenomenon, accounting for about 80% of cases in Europe. As crypto asset prices rise, the safety of holders and privacy of information are becoming risks that the industry must address.

• This article is reprinted with permission from: Chain News
• Original title: The Sandbox Co-founder’s Wife in France Escapes Kidnapping Attempt, Crypto Kidnapping Wave Spreads
• Original author: Elponcrab