The wife of Sebastien Borget, co-founder and COO of The Sandbox, was the target of a failed kidnapping at the couple's home in Villenoy, France, on Tuesday, May 20. According to French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche, the attack occurred on Rue Sadi-Carnot in Seine-et-Marne when one suspect disguised as a delivery worker approached the property. When Borget's wife opened the gate, five hooded accomplices entered, dragged her, and attempted to force her into a Citroën C3.
The attempt was thwarted after neighbors heard her cries and intervened, forcing the group to flee. Four suspects escaped in the vehicle, while two others fled on foot. The two were later arrested after ordering a ride-hail vehicle; police stopped the car and found a bag containing a fake handgun, zip-tie restraints, and balaclavas. The arrested suspects were identified as Mateo V. (born 2010) and Walid H. (born 2009) from Pantin. Four others remain at large, and the case has been transferred to the central security directorate.
While the motive remains under investigation, early evidence suggests the incident 'would be linked to cryptocurrencies,' Le Journal du Dimanche reported. The case adds to rising concerns in France, where authorities have recorded 41 crypto-linked abductions since January 2026 — roughly one every two and a half days. Officials have prepared emergency protocols and prevention platforms to protect digital asset holders. In April, prosecutors charged 88 individuals over attacks targeting crypto owners, with 75 suspects held in pre-trial detention.
