Three Suspects Arrested After Attempted Home Invasion Targeting Binance France Executive
Paris, Feb. 13 (Cointelegraph) – French authorities have detained three men suspected of breaking into the residence of a senior employee of Binance’s French subsidiary. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, marks the latest episode in a series of physical attacks directed at cryptocurrency industry figures in France.
Incident Overview
Around 07:00 CET on Thursday, police were alerted to a robbery in the Val‑de‑Marne department. According to local broadcaster RTL, three individuals wearing hoods and armed with weapons forced entry into an apartment, demanding that the occupants guide them to the home of the head of Binance France. After searching the flat, the intruders seized two mobile phones before fleeing the scene.
Two hours later, the same trio attempted a second intrusion in the neighboring Hauts‑de‑Seine area. Residents who noticed the suspicious activity promptly notified the authorities, prompting a rapid response by the Brigade de Répression du Banditisme, the French police’s specialized anti‑banditry unit. The suspects were apprehended, and the stolen devices, along with a vehicle linked to the earlier break‑in, were recovered.
Binance confirmed to Cointelegraph that a staff member was the victim of a home break‑in, though the company declined to disclose the employee’s identity. “We are aware of a home break‑in involving one of our employees. The safety and well‑being of our staff and their families remain our top priority,” a Binance spokesperson said. The firm added that it is cooperating fully with the investigation and has been reviewing its security protocols.
Yi He, Binance’s co‑founder and chief customer service officer, posted on X that the targeted employee and his family are safe and thanked French police for their swift action. He emphasized that Binance is working closely with law‑enforcement agencies and will continue to strengthen protective measures for its personnel.
Police Action and Legal Follow‑Up
French police have placed the three men in custody on charges of burglary, illegal possession of weapons, and attempted robbery. The recovered smartphones are being examined for any links to further illicit activity, and the seized vehicle has been identified as a key piece of evidence tying the suspects to both incidents.
The rapid apprehension—within a matter of hours—highlights the effectiveness of the specialized B.R.B. unit, which was deployed after residents reported suspicious movements. The unit’s involvement is noted as a positive sign for the broader crypto community, which has expressed growing concerns over personal safety amid a rise in targeted attacks.
A Growing Pattern of “Wrench” Attacks
The Binance home invasion follows a spate of physical assaults on cryptocurrency stakeholders in France. Just days earlier, French police arrested six individuals in connection with a kidnapping of a magistrate and her mother, a crime allegedly linked to a crypto‑related ransom demand.
Cyber‑security firm CertiK has documented a 75 % surge in “wrench attacks” – violent robberies aimed at crypto investors – throughout 2025, recording 72 confirmed cases worldwide. Losses from these incidents have topped $40 million, although the true figure is likely higher due to under‑reporting. France accounted for the highest number of attacks in Europe, with 19 verified incidents in the past year, while the continent represented roughly 40 % of global occurrences.
Analysis
The Binance incident underscores the expanding threat landscape facing the crypto industry, wherein high‑profile executives and employees become attractive targets for criminals seeking valuable assets, personal data, or leverage. Several factors appear to be driving this trend:
- Perceived Wealth: The rapid growth and high valuations of crypto firms create the perception that their staff possess substantial financial resources.
- Information Leakage: Public disclosures about senior personnel, combined with social‑media exposure, can inadvertently provide would‑be attackers with actionable intelligence.
- Criminal Adaptation: Traditional organized‑crime groups are increasingly diversifying into crypto‑related extortion and theft, employing both digital and physical methods.
Law‑enforcement’s prompt response demonstrates enhanced readiness to address these hybrid threats. However, the recurrence of such incidents suggests that preventive measures must extend beyond immediate police action. Companies operating in the sector should consider:
- Conducting regular threat assessments for employees, especially those in leadership roles.
- Implementing robust personal‑security training and offering secure transport or residence options where needed.
- Limiting publicly accessible personal data and monitoring for signs of surveillance.
Key Takeaways
- Three suspects were arrested after two coordinated attempts to break into the home of a Binance France executive, with police recovering stolen phones and a vehicle linked to the crime.
- Binance confirmed the target but withheld the employee’s name, reaffirming its commitment to employee safety and cooperation with authorities.
- The incident is part of a broader rise in physical attacks (“wrench attacks”) against cryptocurrency stakeholders, which saw a 75 % increase globally in 2025. France recorded the highest number of such incidents in Europe.
- Industry response: Crypto firms must bolster both digital and physical security protocols to protect personnel and mitigate the risk of targeted criminal activity.
As the crypto sector continues to mature, the intersection of high‑value assets and public visibility is likely to keep it in the crosshairs of organized crime, making comprehensive security strategies an essential component of operational resilience.
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Source: https://cointelegraph.com/news/binance-france-exec-home-invasion-arrests-report?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound
