Crypto Stolen During Luxury Villa Sale

French police have arrested a mother and son suspected of stealing approximately $1.8 million worth of cryptocurrency from a wealthy couple attempting to sell their luxury villa. The property, located in southern France, was valued at around €10 million, and the investigation lasted nearly a year.

According to French newspaper Var Matin, the suspects posed as real estate agents representing a wealthy Italian investor. They invited the villa owners to Milan, where the supposed buyer was expected to negotiate the purchase.

The fake investor offered more than the asking price but imposed one condition. The sellers had to prove they owned at least €1.5 million in cryptocurrency, claiming the funds would be needed to cover transaction-related costs.

Investigators say the scam took place during the couple's second meeting with the suspects. While distracting the victims, the fraudsters allegedly used glasses fitted with a hidden camera to capture access details to the couple's crypto wallet, including their private keys. Within minutes, all of the funds had been transferred out of the wallet.

Despite using fake identities and frequently moving across France, investigators eventually identified the suspects. The pair, who live near Paris, had previously been linked to similar offenses. During questioning, both denied any involvement.

The suspects have been placed under judicial supervision and are scheduled to appear before the court in Draguignan on September 1. They face charges including organized fraud and failing to explain the origin of their assets. Authorities have also frozen three properties on the French Riviera with a combined value of around €1.9 million.

The case highlights a growing trend of crimes targeting cryptocurrency holders in France. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said that authorities have recorded 77 cases of kidnappings, extortion attempts, or related crimes connected to the crypto sector in 2026, up from 45 cases the previous year. Meanwhile, crypto journalist Joe Nakamoto claims that roughly 70% of reported physical attacks against cryptocurrency owners and their families take place in France.