French Couple Robbed of $1M Bitcoin in Fake Police Home Invasion

As of March 10, 2026, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading near $69,000 to $70,000, following a rebound from year-to-date lows. This price action coincides with a violent home invasion in Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt, west of Paris, where a couple in their late 50s was targeted for their digital wealth.

Key Findings

• France accounted for nearly 50% of Europe's 40 total "wrench attack" incidents recorded in 2025.
• Attackers are increasingly using law enforcement disguises to bypass conventional home security, a tactical shift noted in multiple 2026 incidents.
• The Versailles robbery marks the third high-profile physical crypto attack in France since the start of the year.

What Happened

On Monday, March 9, 2026, three suspects gained entry to the victims' residence by posing as police officers. Once inside, the perpetrators threatened the couple with a knife, demanding the immediate transfer of approximately 900,000 euros ($1 million USD) in Bitcoin, according to Cointelegraph. After the transfer was confirmed on-chain, the suspects fled the scene in a white van.

As of March 10, 2026, the Versailles prosecutor's office has confirmed that no arrests have been made. The case is currently being handled by the Brigade for the Repression of Banditry (BRB) on charges of kidnapping and armed robbery, as reported by BeInCrypto.

Background

This incident is part of a growing trend of "wrench attacks"—physical assaults where criminals use force or the threat of force to steal cryptocurrency. France has become a primary target for such activities in Europe. According to data from cybersecurity firm CertiK, France recorded 19 verified wrench attacks in 2025, the highest number on the continent.

Globally, verified wrench attacks rose to 72 cases in 2025, a 75% year-over-year increase from 2024. In France specifically, the crisis has been escalating for years; between July 2023 and late 2025, there were 40 documented cases of crypto-related kidnappings, per Forbes. The March 9 robbery follows a failed physical attack on the CEO of Binance France in February 2026, signaling that high-net-worth individuals are increasingly under surveillance by organized crime groups.

The Bull Case: Security Evolution

Proponents of Bitcoin's long-term security argue that these physical threats, while tragic, will accelerate the adoption of advanced custody solutions. Jameson Lopp, CTO of Casa, argues that physical threats highlight the necessity of security models like multi-signature (multisig) setups with geographic distribution and timelocks. These features can prevent immediate transfers under duress by requiring multiple keys held in different locations or enforcing a mandatory waiting period before a transaction is broadcast to the network.

Furthermore, a spokesperson for Binance France stated on March 10, 2026, that the exchange is working closely with law enforcement to enhance security measures and intelligence sharing. The transparency of the Bitcoin blockchain also allows investigators to track stolen funds across exchanges, potentially making the liquidation of stolen assets more difficult over time.

The Bear Case: A Breeding Ground for Crime

Skeptics and security consultants warn that the rise in physical violence could deter mainstream adoption if users feel their physical safety is at risk. David Sehyeon, a cybercrime consultant, states that France's high baseline criminal activity combined with highly visible cryptocurrency wealth has created a "breeding ground" for organized crime.

Criminologist Jérôme Pierrat suggests the shift toward digital asset theft is a strategic move by criminal networks. Pierrat links the surge in kidnappings and home invasions to a saturated cocaine market, which is forcing traditional criminal organizations to seek new, high-yield revenue streams like Bitcoin. The lack of successful convictions in many of these cases may be emboldening perpetrators to use more aggressive tactics, such as impersonating law enforcement to bypass home security systems.

What to Watch

In the coming weeks, the focus will remain on the BRB's investigation into the white van and the movement of the stolen 900,000 euros on the blockchain. Market participants should also monitor for potential legislative responses from the French government regarding the protection of digital asset holders and stricter penalties for crypto-related kidnappings. The adoption rate of "duress-pin" features on hardware wallets will also be a key metric to track as users seek to mitigate the risks of physical coercion.

Sources

• DailyForex: BTC/USD Forex Signal: Bitcoin Price Steady as Bottoming Signs Emerge (March 10, 2026)
• Cointelegraph: French couple forced to hand over $1M in Bitcoin by criminals posing as police (March 10, 2026)
• BeInCrypto: French Couple Faces Bitcoin Robbery at Knifepoint By Fake Police (March 10, 2026)
• Forbes: France Crypto Kidnappings: Leaks And Zero Convictions Fuel The Crisis (February 14, 2026)