Overview
- The 35-year-old magistrate and her 66/67-year-old mother were abducted from their home in Saint‑Martin‑le‑Vinoux and found about 30 hours later in a Bourg‑lès‑Valence garage with non‑life‑threatening injuries after freeing themselves and alerting a neighbor by banging on the door.
- The partner received a photo of the magistrate and threats of mutilation alongside a demand for a cryptocurrency ransom reported between roughly €1 million and €1.6 million, and authorities say no payment was made.
- Five suspects—four men and one woman aged about 18 to 20—were detained near Lyon, with two picked up as they attempted to take a bus to Spain, and all remain in custody as their roles are examined.
- The case is being handled by the JIRS of Lyon with OCLCO, the BRB, the BRI and regional police, after a rapid mobilization of roughly 100–160 officers across the area.
- Officials describe the case as part of a growing pattern in France of kidnappings and extortion schemes aimed at people linked to crypto assets.