Three suspects were arrested in France after a reported break-in targeting the home of a senior figure at Binance’s French unit, with the company confirming to Cointelegraph that one of its employees was the victim of a home invasion.
Local outlet RTL, citing anonymous police sources, reported that three hooded individuals attempted to enter an apartment in Val-de-Marne around 7:00 am CET Thursday and were carrying weapons.
RTL said the suspects first forced their way into the apartment of another resident, forcing them to direct them to the home of the head of Binance France. RTL reported the suspects searched the apartment and stole two mobile phones before fleeing.
Two hours later, the three suspects were reportedly arrested during a second home invasion attempt in Hauts-de-Seine after residents alerted authorities, RTL said. Authorities recovered the stolen phones and a vehicle that RTL said linked the suspects to the earlier break-in.
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Binance confirms a break into an employee’s home
Binance confirmed the incident to Cointelegraph but declined to identify the employee involved.
“We are aware of a home break-in involving one of our employees. There is an ongoing investigation with the local police,” a Binance spokesperson said. “The safety and well-being of our employees and their families is our absolute priority. We are working closely with law enforcement and further enhancing appropriate security measures.”
David Prinçay is the President of Binance France, but Cointelegraph was unable to independently verify the identity of the employee targeted in the break-in. Binance declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation and safety concerns.
Related: Binance completes $1B Bitcoin conversion for SAFU emergency fund
Crypto wrench attacks rise 75% in 2025, as France sees most attacks
Physical attacks targeting cryptocurrency investors, also known as “wrench attacks,” have risen over the past year.
Wrench attacks increased by 75% during 2025, to 72 verified cases worldwide recorded last year alone, according to cybersecurity platform CertiK.
Wrench attacks accounted for at least $40.9 million in confirmed losses in 2025, but the value could be much larger due to unreported incidents, according to CertiK.
France recorded the largest number of attacks last year, with 19 confirmed incidents, while Europe accounted for about 40% of all attacks globally in 2025.
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