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.
- World
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 12:48 | 09 February 2026
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.
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