The wife of a co-founder of The Sandbox, the popular virtual-world platform, was the target of a kidnapping attempt in France this week, according to sources familiar with the incident. The attack is the latest in a troubling pattern: France has become an epicenter of so-called 'wrench attacks' — physical assaults or abductions aimed at forcing victims to hand over crypto assets. The case underscores the growing physical security risk for high-profile figures in the industry, especially those tied to large crypto holdings.
The Attempt
Details remain sparse as French authorities investigate. The woman was approached by armed individuals near her home, but managed to escape unharmed, sources said. No arrests have been made public. The co-founder himself was not present at the time. The Sandbox, a blockchain-based metaverse platform, has not issued a statement. The company is best known for its virtual land sales and partnerships with major brands.
Why France?
France has seen a sharp rise in wrench attacks targeting crypto executives and their families over the past year. The country's dense urban areas and relatively high concentration of crypto wealth make it a hotspot. Police have warned that attackers often stake out luxury neighborhoods and track victims' routines. The tactic — forcing someone to transfer funds at gunpoint — is brutally simple. It doesn't require hacking skills, just physical proximity and leverage.
This isn't the first time the family of a crypto founder has been put in danger. But the attack on a spouse marks an escalation. Industry insiders have privately noted that security measures at many crypto firms still lag behind traditional finance, where executives often have round-the-clock protection.
Wider Pattern
Local reports have documented dozens of similar incidents across France in 2026. Police have stepped up patrols in known crypto-friendly neighborhoods and are urging executives to vary their routines, avoid publicizing travel plans, and consider professional security. Some French crypto companies have started offering security stipends to top employees.
For now, the investigation into this latest attempt is ongoing. The co-founder and his family are reportedly lying low. Whether this incident will push the broader industry to treat physical security as seriously as cybersecurity remains an open question. What's clear is that the threat is no longer just digital.
