The Brussels Criminal Court has issued a verdict regarding three criminals who kidnapped the wife of well-known crypto entrepreneur Stéphane Winkel, sentencing them to 12 years in prison.
Conviction and Status of the Kidnappers
The court sentenced the three kidnappers to 12 years in prison for their abduction carried out in December 2024. The criminals attacked the victim outside her home, forced her into a van, and demanded ransom in cryptocurrency. The court also ordered them to pay at least 1 million euros ($1.2 million) in civil damages to the victim. While the trio was held accountable, the court noted that the masterminds behind the kidnapping remain unidentified, rejecting the defendants' claims of being coerced into the crime under threat of death.
Impact on Stéphane Winkel's Career
Stéphane Winkel, a well-known investor and coach in the cryptocurrency field, runs educational platforms such as Crypto Académie and Crypto Sun. The incident left him and his wife deeply traumatized, reportedly forcing them to relocate. After the ordeal, Winkel stated: "I consider myself a defender of freedom, but I now realize that safety must become an absolute priority". He returned to YouTube with a new video format, shifting focus from wallet demonstrations to education and market analysis.
Worrying Trend of Kidnappings in the Crypto Industry
Winkel's case highlights the rising trend of crypto-related kidnappings, posing significant risks to investors with a public profile. Another kidnapping incident occurred in France in mid-June, where a young man was abducted for cash and access to his crypto wallet. Additionally, in May, there was an attempted kidnapping of the daughter and grandson of the co-founder of crypto exchange Paymium.
The incident involving Stéphane Winkel underscores serious safety concerns faced by cryptocurrency investors. Such crimes are becoming increasingly common, necessitating greater awareness of personal security issues.
