Masked Gunmen Steal Crypto USB in France Amid Tax Official Scandal

A robbery in Manosque, France, involved masked gunmen targeting a woman's partner for their cryptocurrency USB drive. This incident is part of a troubling trend of attacks against crypto holders, coinciding with revelations that a tax official sold sensitive data to criminal groups. With a rising number of violent incidents, experts are urging crypto holders to adopt stronger security measures.

Key Takeaways

A woman was held captive in Manosque while robbers demanded her partner’s cryptocurrency data.
This incident marks one of 14 similar attacks recently noted in France, highlighting an increasing trend of violence against crypto investors.
A tax official sold sensitive data to criminals to target crypto holders, leading to her arrest.
Violent attacks against crypto holders have surged, with France identified as a hotspot for such crimes.
Security experts advise crypto investors on practical measures to enhance safety.

Masked Gunmen Steal Crypto USB in France

The Incident in Manosque

On January 6, a woman was taken hostage by masked robbers in Manosque as they targeted her partner’s cryptocurrency USB drive. This robbery is part of a worrying pattern of incidents, bringing the total number of attacks in France to 14, according to security researcher Jameson Lopp's database.

As reported by Le Parisien, three masked individuals invaded the couple’s home on Chemin Champs de Pruniers around 7:30 p.m. The robbers restrained the woman, threatened her with a gun, and physically assaulted her while searching for cryptocurrency information. After grabbing the USB drive, they fled the scene. Fortunately, the woman managed to free herself and contact the police, reporting physical non-injury.

Scandal of the Tax Official

The recent attack occurs against the backdrop of shocking news that criminals are accessing government databases to find cryptocurrency holders. Ghalia C., a tax official, was arrested on June 30, 2025, in Bobigny for using tax software to leak addresses to organized crime groups. Prosecutors assert that she targeted crypto investors, including billionaire Vincent Bolloré, as well as prison officials before selling this confidential data.

“The refusal to provide her phone passcode and the identity of her accomplice is indicative of criminal behavior,” stated the public prosecutor, emphasizing that Ghalia abused her position for criminal purposes.

Investigators found that Ghalia had used “Mira” tax software to locate potential targets, specifically searching for information on cryptocurrency investors. One of her victims, a prison officer, experienced a violent robbery at his Montreuil home due to Ghalia’s disclosures.

Escalating Violence Against Crypto Investors

The threat of physical violence against cryptocurrency holders has risen sharply, with Lopp's database recording a total of 269 attacks since tracking began. Notably, 2025 alone has seen 65 incidents, averaging over one attack per week.

Gunmen Steal Crypto USB in France - Attacks Per Year by Severity Chart

In two-thirds of these attacks, criminals successfully steal assets, with about 60% of the perpetrators eventually apprehended. France has become a key location for these crimes, with authorities suspecting that a single organized crime group is behind many recent kidnappings. Western Europe accounts for 27% of global attacks, followed closely by North America at 24% and the Asia-Pacific region at 20%.

Gunmen Steal Crypto USB in France - Attacks by Region Chart

Analyzing Attack Patterns

Investor Haseeb Qureshi conducted an analysis revealing significant patterns regarding the frequency of these violent attacks. His findings showed a correlation of 0.67 between the size of the cryptocurrency market and the occurrence of these crimes, indicating that economic factors heavily influence violent behavior.

“Simple regression analysis yields a correlation coefficient of 0.45, suggesting that 45% of violent incidents may be related to fluctuations in crypto prices,” Qureshi explained. His deeper analysis indicates that despite a rise in violence per user recently, it does not compare to the levels seen prior to 2019.

Rise in Attack Severity and Tactics

Attacks on crypto holders are not only more frequent but also increasingly violent. Research by Haseeb reveals that 51% of attacks are now classified as "serious," involving armed robbery or home invasion. An additional 21% are classified as "severe," with some incidents involving torture.

Gunmen Steal Crypto USB in France - Severity Breakdown by Year % Chart

Criminals have adopted advanced tactics, with home invasions making up 25% of the occurrences. Many perpetrators disguise themselves as delivery personnel to gain access, and targeted kidnappings often involve prior surveillance. Over-the-counter (OTC) trades have become particularly risky, as attackers set up traps in hotel rooms.

“Dubai actually poses risks from various perspectives,” Lopp noted, though he pointed out that the UAE has a high success rate for apprehending criminals before they can escape. The region has recorded nine attacks, all resulting in arrests, unlike other areas where perpetrators often evade capture.

Security Recommendations for Crypto Holders

Lopp starkly advises those in the cryptocurrency space: “Shut up and stop flaunting your wealth.” Other recommendations emphasize the importance of avoiding personal cryptocurrency trades in public, maintaining constant awareness of surroundings, and rejecting food or drinks from unknown sources.

Qureshi offered practical guidance, recommending investors reside in secure buildings with surveillance and avoid displaying any indicators of crypto ownership publicly. He encouraged using services like DeleteMe to protect personal data and setting up secure mailing options. Maintaining separate hot wallets for smaller amounts of cryptocurrency could also minimize risk.

As investigations into the Manosque incident continue, the complete financial impact of the robbery remains unassessed, and law enforcement is actively pursuing leads on the three remaining suspects.