Masked Gunmen Break into French Home, Steal Crypto USB
France has recently emerged as a hotspot for cryptocurrency-related crimes, and a shocking incident this week has further reinforced this trend. On Monday evening, three masked men broke into a residence in Manosque, France, tying up a woman at gunpoint and stealing a USB drive containing her partner’s cryptocurrency information.
The crime took place on Chemin Champs de Pruniers in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, as reported by French outlet Le Parisien. The perpetrators threatened the victim with a handgun, physically assaulted her, and made off with the USB device containing sensitive crypto data. Fortunately, the victim was left unharmed and was able to free herself within minutes to alert authorities.
Rising Crypto Crimes in France
This latest attack underscores the growing prevalence of “crypto wrench attacks,” where individuals known to possess cryptocurrency are targeted by criminals. Last year alone, over 70 such incidents were documented globally by Jameson Lopp, CTO of the crypto-security firm Casa. France appears to be a significant European hub for such activities, with more than 14 incidents reported in the previous year.
Cybercrime consultant David Sehyeon Baek noted that France combines several risk factors, including high levels of general criminal activity and visible concentrations of cryptocurrency wealth among traders and founders. This makes it a lucrative target for both opportunistic and organized criminal networks.
“Criminal networks are increasingly folding cryptocurrency into their operations as it offers faster cross-border transfers, lower perceived traceability, and better profit margins compared to traditional methods,” Baek explained.
Security Concerns for Crypto Holders
Cryptocurrency’s decentralized nature and digital accessibility make it an attractive but risky asset. Incidents like the one in Manosque highlight the importance of robust security practices for crypto holders. Investing in ultra-secure storage solutions, such as hardware wallets, is critical for safeguarding digital assets.
One highly recommended option is the Ledger Nano S Plus Hardware Wallet. This device offers advanced encryption and cold-storage capabilities, making it far more secure than storing crypto keys on unprotected USB drives or online wallets.
A Broader Issue: Abuse of Confidential Information
The case also coincides with disturbing revelations about a French tax official who was indicted last June for abusing her access to state tax records. The official reportedly searched for income details, addresses, and family information of cryptocurrency holders, passing this data to organized crime networks. The abuse of internal tax software reportedly preceded at least one violent home invasion.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the Manosque incident, with the case being handled by the local criminal investigation department and the regional directorate of the national police. For now, cryptocurrency owners in France and around the world are urged to remain vigilant, adopt proper security measures, and consider privacy-focused practices when managing their digital assets.
Protect Your Digital Assets
As crypto crimes continue to rise globally, staying informed and secure is essential. Explore advanced hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano S Plus and ensure your assets are safe from potential threats. For more tips on cryptocurrency security and the latest updates in crypto crime, stay tuned to our lifestyle news and articles.
