A former crypto trader was held for ransom in France. Police look into a violent kidnapping, strangulation, and a demand for 10,000 euros
Late on Tuesday night, a former cryptocurrency trader was brutally kidnapped on his way between Paris and Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
According to Le Parisien, the victim, aged 35, by the name of Alexandre, was tied down, strangled, and kept as a ransom by anonymous suspects.
The kidnappers were asking for 10,000 euros as a ransom in order to release him. The event happened on August 26, 2025. At 11 p.m., a chilling call was received by police in the Saint-Germain-en-Laye station.
The customer was in Algeria and reported that they had received a disturbing photo. The photograph had Alexandre on his knees with his arms bound and seemingly suffering.
Mystery Phone Call Sparks Swift Police Hunt
Police at once began an investigation. Officers working the night shift in Yveline were able to trace down the victim’s phone. It was geolocated in the 10th arrondissement, Paris. This place served as a way of reducing the search for Alexandre.
In the meantime, a police station established surveillance in front of the house of the victim in Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
The wife of Alexandre testified that he left their home at 11 a.m. that Tuesday to go to work. She also disclosed that her husband was a worker in the cryptocurrency industry, which is a business with more and more criminals pursuing it.
There is an increase in cryptocurrency-related crimes. Recent arrests have increased the workload of law enforcement in this area.
At the time of the kidnapping, Alexandre had a former career that might be connected with this, although this has not been established.
Still Shocked Victim Found After Midnight.
On Wednesday, about 4 a.m., officers caught Alexandre walking home. He was shocked and had bruises. His face was swollen, and this raised concerns at once. He was transported to the police station to be attended to by the officers who were on duty.
In the interrogations, Alexandre said that his assailants strangled him to death. He explained that he was forcibly detained for some hours. This is a critical account of the current investigation.
His samples were sampled by forensic teams in clothing and skin. It aims at locating DNA or other evidence that can implicate the kidnappers. No suspects have so far been named or arrested.
The governments emphasize that no alternatives are being ruled out. They set out to confirm the story of Alexandre and to find out why the man was a target.
Police are handling this as an emergency to promote the security of other people around.
According to Le Parisien, this case has caused concern over risks associated with cryptocurrency professions. The weaknesses in the sector can send the workers into the realm of crime, such as kidnappings and extortion.
Locals are tense as police investigate the crime. The kidnapping gives emphasis to the increasing hazards in and around Paris.
It also highlights the necessity of stricter security protocols of individuals related to such a high-risk sector like cryptocurrency trading.
