Belgian Court Jails Three in Crypto-Linked Kidnapping Case

A Belgian court has sentenced three individuals to 12 years in prison each for their involvement in the kidnapping of the wife of local crypto entrepreneur Stéphane Winkel, marking a significant development in a case that has shaken the country’s crypto community. According to local outlet La Dernière Heure, the Brussels Criminal Court found the defendants guilty of hostage-taking, ruling that they forcibly abducted Winkel’s wife outside her home in December 2024. The kidnappers reportedly forced her into a van and demanded a ransom payment in cryptocurrency from Winkel. Law enforcement acted quickly after Winkel alerted authorities, intercepting the van with a high-risk maneuver that led to the arrest of the suspects and the safe rescue of the victim. The court also ordered the convicted individuals to pay a minimum of 1 million euros ($1.2 million) in civil damages to the victim. However, the masterminds behind the kidnapping remain unidentified, and the court rejected the defendants’ claims that they were coerced into participating in the crime under threats of violence. Impact on Winkel’s Life Winkel, a prominent Belgian crypto investor and educator, runs platforms including Crypto Académie and Crypto Sun, and has a YouTube channel with around 40,000 subscribers. Following the incident, Winkel and his wife reportedly faced severe trauma and felt compelled to relocate for safety. In a January post on X, Winkel emphasized the need to prioritize safety over freedom, writing, “I consider myself a defender of freedom, but I now realize that safety must become an absolute priority for me and those around me.” The crypto entrepreneur announced plans to continue his educational content with a revised approach, focusing on security and avoiding public wallet demonstrations or contests that could expose him to further risks. He returned to YouTube in late June, releasing his first video since the incident, which featured only voiceover narration instead of his usual on-camera presence. Rising Trend of Crypto-Related Kidnapping Cases The case highlights a concerning rise in crypto-related kidnapping cases globally, particularly targeting public figures in the crypto industry. In June, a similar incident in France involved the kidnapping of a 23-year-old man, with the attackers demanding cash and access to his crypto wallet. In another case in May, the family of Paymium’s CEO Pierre Noizat was targeted in a kidnapping attempt , further underscoring the need for caution among crypto investors with public profiles. The post Belgian Court Jails Three in Crypto-Linked Kidnapping Case appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .

Source: The Coin Rise