Masked Gunmen Steal Crypto USB in France as Tax Official Caught Selling Data to Gangs

🔥 Key Takeaways

  • A recent incident in Manosque, France, involved masked gunmen stealing a crypto USB drive at gunpoint.
  • A tax official, Ghalia C., has been charged with selling crypto investor addresses to organized crime groups for approximately 800 euros per operation.
  • This incident is part of a larger trend, with 65 documented global attacks in 2025, highlighting the growing threat of crypto-related crimes.

Crypto Crimes on the Rise: France Sees Masked Gunmen and Corruption

A disturbing trend in crypto crimes has been highlighted by two recent incidents in France. On January 6, a home in Manosque was broken into by three masked individuals who threatened the victim at gunpoint and stole a crypto USB drive. This brazen attack is a stark reminder of the risks associated with holding and storing cryptocurrency.

Corruption and Insider Threats

In a related development, a tax official named Ghalia C. has been charged with accessing government databases to provide crypto investor addresses to organized crime groups. For a fee of approximately 800 euros per operation, Ghalia C. would sell sensitive information to these groups, putting countless investors at risk. This case highlights the insider threat that exists within government agencies and the need for stricter controls and oversight.

A Growing Global Concern

The incident in France is not an isolated event. According to reports, there have been 65 documented global attacks in 2025, demonstrating the escalating threat of crypto-related crimes. As the crypto market continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more incidents of theft, corruption, and exploitation. It is essential for investors, regulators, and law enforcement agencies to work together to combat these threats and ensure the security and integrity of the crypto ecosystem.