A Belgian court has sentenced three individuals for the kidnapping of the wife of local crypto entrepreneur Stéphane Winkel, marking a significant event in the country's crypto community.
Verdict and Court Proceedings
The Brussels Criminal Court sentenced three defendants to 12 years in prison for kidnapping. The court found that they forcibly abducted Winkel’s wife outside her home in December 2024, demanding a ransom payment in cryptocurrency. Law enforcement quickly acted on Winkel's alert, intercepting the van with a high-risk maneuver, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the safe rescue of the victim.
Impact on Stéphane Winkel and His Family
Stéphane Winkel, a prominent Belgian crypto investor and educator, runs platforms including Crypto Académie and Crypto Sun. Following the incident, both he and his wife reportedly faced severe trauma and considered relocating for safety. In a January post, Winkel emphasized the need for safety, stating, “I realize that safety must become an absolute priority for me and those around me.” Winkel returned to YouTube with a revised approach, focusing on security in his educational content.
Rising Trend of Crypto-Related Kidnappings
This case highlights a concerning rise in crypto-related kidnapping cases globally. A similar incident occurred in France in June, where a young man was kidnapped, and attackers demanded cash and access to his crypto wallet. Additionally, in May, the family of Paymium’s CEO Pierre Noizat was targeted, underscoring the need for caution among investors with public profiles.
The increase in kidnapping cases related to the crypto industry necessitates heightened vigilance among crypto investors and their families.
