"Researchers are seeing a "dramatic" increase in cybercrime involving physical violence across Europe, with at least 18 cases reported since the start of the year. The hike in what experts refer to as "violence as a service" was first spotted in 2024 and has continued into 2025, especially in France where 13 of the total cases have taken place. Individuals selected for the operation would need to obtain a 'burner' Windows laptop, travel to the UK-based entity's corporate headquarters to connect to the onsite Wi-Fi, and provide remote access to the laptop via RDP..."
"Perhaps the most high-profile case from the past year came in January when Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife, Amandine, were kidnapped in Vierzon, central France. The pair were detained separately, and the suspects severed David Balland's finger, while another Ledger co-founder was contacted with the gang's ransom demands, which have not been disclosed. Ten people were reportedly arrested after the couple were freed. In Morocco a suspect French police allege to be the ringleader, 24-year-old Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, was also detained by local authorities."
"More recently, in Suresnes, near the French capital, a woman was reportedly punched in the face ten times in front of her husband and children by attackers attempting to steal the contents of her cryptocurrency wallet. A month later, in Paris, a man who worked in the cryptocurrency industry was attacked in a luxury hotel. The assault and kidnapping took place at the upscale Peninsula Hotel, and French police say the victim claimed his assailants stole a hard drive containing c2 million (approx. $2.3 million) worth of Bitcoin, after demanding c400,000 (approx. $460,0"
Violent, crypto-focused crime has risen sharply across Europe, with at least 18 reported cases since the start of the year and 13 occurring in France. Operations often require operatives to use 'burner' Windows laptops, connect at a UK-based entity's headquarters, and provide remote access via RDP. CrowdStrike cites figures collected by Jameson Lopp, who tracks violent crypto crime, and notes many perpetrators are linked to The Com. Cases include the kidnapping and maiming of Ledger co-founder David Balland, street assaults to steal crypto wallets, and a luxury-hotel kidnapping for a hard drive containing millions in Bitcoin.
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