Gun-wielding thieves hold family captive, make off with $800,000 worth of crypto

Armed thieves have stolen a cold wallet containing $800,000 worth of crypto from a family they held at gunpoint, say prosecutors.

Their target was reportedly a Finistère-based crypto industry professional who was not even in the house at the time. The thieves, officials said, appeared to know exactly what they were looking for.

“The children’s father, who works in the cryptocurrency sector, was not present at the time of the incident,” said Matthieu Thomas, Rennes’ deputy public prosecutor, Brittany, France-based media outlet Le Télégramme reported.

Almost 50 cases of attempted crypto-related robbery, kidnapping, and abduction have been reported in France since the start of the year. Earlier this week, a shot was fired as a crypto owner disarmed a handgun-toting assailant who broke into his house disguised as a delivery driver.

Three-hour nightmare

Police investigating the Finistère case said neighbours alerted authorities after hearing suspicious noises coming from the house.

Inside, they discovered the family — the crypto professional’s wife, their two children, and the children’s grandparents — tied up.

Police said the assailants were two hooded men, armed with handguns. The family explained that the duo burst into their house at 9 am on April 20.

The house is located in a small estate comprising around 30 homes, in the usually quiet commune of Ploudalmézeau in Brittany, northwestern France.

Officers said the family’s ordeal lasted for around three hours and that the assailants only left after they had located the digital wallet and obtained its private keys.

Police said they are yet to make arrests in connection with the case. Officers said the Rennes gendarmerie is conducting a full investigation.

Tim Alper is a News Correspondent at DL News. Got a tip? Email him at [email protected].