A French cryptocurrency investor, identified as 23‑year‑old Ayman R., was handed a 30‑month prison sentence on November 4 after he discharged a firearm at men he claimed were attempting to kidnap him during a Halloween incident in Vendée. The court ruled the shooting was an act of retaliation, not self‑defence, because the assailants were fleeing when the shot was fired, according to Bitcoin.com News.

Incident Details

The confrontation unfolded on the afternoon of October 31, when two hooded men forced their way into the residence of Ayman R.'s father. After the family called police, the attackers returned about half an hour later, attempting to breach the home again. Ayman R. retreated upstairs, retrieved a Glock pistol, and fired a single round that struck a ceiling beam above a garage door, narrowly missing children playing nearby. The gunfire caused the assailants to retreat, leaving a mobile phone at the scene, which later aided investigators.

During the trial, vice‑prosecutor Olivier Dubief emphasized that the victim’s use of the weapon was reckless, stating, “By the time he fired, the gentleman was no longer in danger. This is an act of revenge, not self‑defence.” The court sentenced Ayman R. to 30 months in prison, imposed a 15‑year prohibition on firearm possession, and ordered a five‑year ban from the Vendée department. The judgment also noted his prior involvement in a 2022 crypto‑related kidnapping attempt, which his defence lawyer, Jean‑Baptiste Colombani, said had been thwarted after the victim escaped to a safe house in Nantes.

Rising Crypto‑Targeted Violence in France

French authorities have reported a sharp increase in crimes aimed at cryptocurrency holders, with more than 70 cases logged by June 2026. These incidents, often termed “wrench attacks,” involve armed intrusions intended to force victims to disclose wallet credentials or hand over hardware wallets. The sentencing of Ayman R. is the latest high‑profile example and reflects growing law‑enforcement focus on deterring such offenses through stricter penalties.

What to Watch Next

Observers will monitor whether French prosecutors pursue additional charges related to the abandoned cellphone and any potential links to organized crime networks targeting crypto assets. Legislative bodies may also consider new regulations to protect digital‑asset holders, including mandatory reporting of crypto‑related threats and enhanced security guidelines for high‑net‑worth individuals.