A failed home invasion targeting a senior exchange executive in France has intensified debate around binance france and the growing physical risks tied to digital assets.
Armed intruders target Binance executive in Val-de-Marne
Local police said that three masked men, reportedly armed, forced their way into a residential building in Val-de-Marne in the early hours of Feb. 12. According to initial reports, the suspects were searching for the local head of Binance France but failed to locate him inside the property.
However, before leaving the scene, the intruders allegedly stole two mobile phones. The incident came amid rising concerns over violent attacks linked to crypto wealth in France, particularly around high-profile executives and entrepreneurs.
Second botched break-in in Vaucresson the same morning
Roughly two hours later, and still before midday, the same group is believed to have attempted a second home invasion in Vaucresson. Moreover, investigators said the attackers were again looking for the same crypto entrepreneur, although they reportedly targeted the wrong address this time.
The double attempt underscored the level of planning involved, yet also highlighted critical mistakes by the assailants, including flawed intelligence on the victim’s exact residence. That said, no physical harm to the targeted executive has been reported so far.
Lyon Perrache arrests after phone tracing and CCTV review
Police traced the stolen phones and reviewed surveillance footage from the surrounding area to follow the suspects’ movements. Using this digital trail, officers tracked the group as they boarded a train heading to Lyon, marking a key breakthrough in the rapidly evolving case.
The three men were arrested by the BRI at Lyon Perrache station later that same day and placed in custody, according to French outlet RTL. However, authorities have not yet disclosed their identities or detailed potential charges, as the investigation remains ongoing.
Binance response and investigation confidentiality
In a statement, a Binance spokesperson confirmed the incident while emphasizing the need for discretion. “We are aware of a home break-in involving one of our employees,” the spokesperson said, stressing that the company would not comment further at this stage.
Moreover, the exchange cited the need to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure the safety of all individuals involved. The remarks reflect heightened sensitivity around security for crypto executives, particularly in jurisdictions that have documented physical attacks tied to digital wealth.
Rising wrench attacks in France linked to crypto holdings
France has seen a sustained rise in so-called wrench attacks in France, a term used when assailants apply physical force or threats to coerce access to crypto wallets or other digital assets. These incidents often target individuals believed to hold large amounts of cryptocurrency.
The Block’s coverage throughout 2025 documented repeated kidnappings, ransom attempts and home invasions affecting crypto holders and entrepreneurs. However, authorities have struggled to fully deter such crimes, as attackers blend traditional violent methods with modern financial targets.
Kidnappings and crypto ransom attempts under scrutiny
In June 2025, France recorded its 10th crypto-related wrench attack of the year after kidnappers targeted a 23-year-old near Paris. That said, law enforcement has intensified efforts to trace and dismantle groups behind these schemes, often working across multiple jurisdictions.
Suspects accused of demanding millions in ransom from relatives of crypto entrepreneurs have been arrested in separate cases. Moreover, another group linked to a botched crypto ransom attempt involving the kidnapping of a magistrate was also taken into custody, underscoring the evolving risks surrounding digital-asset wealth.
Broader implications for crypto security in France
The attempted binance france home invasion adds to a growing dossier of incidents that highlight the real-world dangers accompanying virtual assets. While hacking and online fraud remain central concerns, physical attacks are increasingly drawing attention from both regulators and industry leaders.
However, the case also illustrates how traditional police techniques, such as phone tracing and CCTV analysis, can still prove effective against criminals targeting crypto holders. As France continues to grapple with these hybrid threats, exchanges, entrepreneurs and investors may face mounting pressure to upgrade personal and household security.
Overall, the failed attacks near Paris and the swift Lyon Perrache arrests reinforce how the expanding crypto sector can intersect with old forms of violent crime, pushing security to the forefront for high-profile market participants.
Source: https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2026/02/13/binance-france-home-invasion/
