Warning! Multiple violent cryptocurrency robberies in France, Europe becomes a high-crime area

2026-01-09 05:34:12

【BlockBeats】Recently, the crypto community should be especially vigilant — Europe’s security situation is not optimistic. On January 9th, a shocking incident occurred in Manosque, France, where three masked men broke into a private residence and forcibly took a USB drive containing cryptocurrency data using a firearm threat. The victim was subjected to violence but fortunately was not seriously injured; they escaped and called the police within a few minutes. Local authorities have launched an investigation.

This is not an isolated case. According to a public database maintained by Casa CTO Jameson Lopp, over 70 violent attacks involving cryptocurrencies were recorded worldwide last year. France has become a major hotspot — more than 14 related serious crimes have occurred here within Europe. Why has France become a hotbed for crypto asset crimes? Cybercrime consultant David Sehyeon’s perspective is worth considering: “France itself has a relatively high crime rate, and the number of digital assets held by entrepreneurs, traders, and industry figures is quite substantial. Coupled with increased awareness of digital assets locally, all these factors create opportunities for opportunists and organized crime groups.”

This reminds us to be extra cautious when holding large amounts of crypto assets — stay low-key and prioritize safety.

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SchroedingersFrontrun

· 01-10 00:50

France is playing with fire—armed robbery for USB drives? Outrageous. That's why I've always said to manage your assets independently and not to keep too much on exchanges. Over seventy violent incidents—scary. Europe really isn't very safe. No wonder wealthy people are considering cold wallets stored in safes. France already has a high crime rate, and now encryption has become a new target. Forget it. Honestly, I'd rather earn less and stay low-key. Life safety comes first. Now I understand why it's important to diversify assets across multiple regions.

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NotSatoshi

· 01-09 06:04

What’s going on in France? Even stealing USB drives is so professional? Armed theft of keys, truly ruthless. Europe really isn’t suitable for openly holding, gotta think of a way. Over 70 violent incidents, this data is frightening... So hardware wallets aren’t foolproof; personal safety comes first. France has become a hotbed, it’s crazy how everyone is eyeing the crypto scene. A single USB drive is worth tens of millions; anyone would want to steal it. How are the police investigations going? This calls for strict crackdown. Ultimately, it’s because transfers are possible; even if fiat currency is frozen, it wouldn’t be like this.

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fren_with_benefits

· 01-09 05:57

Here are a few comments with different styles: What’s going on in France? It feels way more rampant than before. Over 70 violent incidents? That number is a bit outrageous. Stealing USB drives? How do they know what's inside? Too professional. Europe still dares to call itself a safe zone? That’s hilarious. Those big players should start considering cold wallets.

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MetaverseMigrant

· 01-09 05:54

What's going on in France, this is really outrageous. Armed robbery for a USB drive? How desperate must they be haha You should have set up a hardware wallet long ago, no wonder I've been insisting on cold storage Wait, all 14 incidents are in France? Is it due to insufficient police force or are people in the crypto circle too wealthy... This logic is a bit off That's why I said the risks of self-custody are underestimated; keeping money at home makes you a target French police need to step up; if this continues, who will dare to hold assets in Europe? Robbing a USB drive to turn things around? It shows that guy must have a lot of money, but it's also too ruthless... Everyone needs to improve their security awareness It's basically just a way for the poor to make money. Are there over 70 violent incidents worldwide like this... It feels much more serious than I imagined

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PessimisticOracle

· 01-09 05:45

Oh my goodness, can USB drives really be stolen? These days, you really have to be more cautious... How did France become like this? All 14 cases are there... Now holding coins also requires being cautious about personal safety? This is too extreme People dare to break into hardware wallets even at home, who would dare to play that game European crime rate is no joke, no wonder France is called a high-violence zone What’s the use of a cold wallet? People can be threatened... So you really shouldn’t let anyone know you’re holding coins; being low-key is the way to go 14 cases? I think the actual number is even darker

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