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6 arrested in France over crypto-linked kidnapping of magistrate

French authorities arrested six suspects, including a minor, in connection with the kidnapping of a magistrate and her mother for a cryptocurrency ransom. The two women were freed after 30 hours in captivity, and the investigation is ongoing.

Anadolu Agency WORLD
Published February 09,2026
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Six suspects were arrested over the weekend in France as part of an ongoing investigation related to the abduction of a magistrate and her mother for ransom in cryptocurrency.

Lyon's public prosecutor's office confirmed that six people were arrested, including a child, according to the daily Le Parisien.

On Wednesday night into Thursday, two women, a magistrate and her mother, were kidnapped in the southeastern Isere department and later released after 30 hours in captivity.

The magistrate is reportedly the partner of an executive at a Lyon-based company specializing in cryptocurrencies, and the kidnappers demanded a large sum in bitcoin.

While most of the arrested suspects are believed to be between the ages of 18 and 20, searches are still ongoing.