A wave of kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency investors has emerged in France, linked to a $243 million Bitcoin theft by a group of young cybercriminals. The criminal network, including the notorious Darcula group known for stealing 884,000 credit cards via SMS phishing, has escalated from cyber theft to violent real-world crimes. Victims, often identifiable cryptocurrency moguls, have been subjected to brutal ransom demands ranging from $6 million to $10 million in cryptocurrency. In one case, a kidnapped crypto entrepreneur's father was held for 58 hours and had a finger severed as a form of coercion before being rescued by French police. Authorities describe the perpetrators as highly skilled in organized crime techniques to remain anonymous. This surge in crypto-related kidnappings and ransom demands reflects the growing risks faced by virtual currency investors in Europe.