Six people have been arrested by French police following the kidnapping of a magistrate earlier this week, an incident that involved a failed attempt to secure a cryptocurrency ransom, sources close to the investigation confirmed to AFP on Thursday.
The incident, which shocked the French judiciary, targeted an investigating magistrate in the southeastern region of France. Details remain sparse, but initial reports suggest the official was abducted and held captive for several hours. The captors allegedly demanded a significant sum of cryptocurrency, specifying Bitcoin, for the official’s safe release.
The attempt to collect the crypto ransom was quickly thwarted by specialist police units, leading to the magistrate being released unharmed. A rapid operation led to the apprehension of the six suspects in separate locations across France.
Sources indicate the arrested individuals are facing preliminary charges of kidnapping, armed confinement, attempted extortion (specifically using digital currency), and criminal association. Authorities are currently investigating whether the motive was purely financial or if the kidnapping was related to any sensitive cases the magistrate may have been handling.
Source: French police arrest six after botched crypto ransom attempt in magistrate kidnapping: AFP
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