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'The Sandbox' Co-Founder's Wife Targeted in Crypto Kidnapping Attempt: Report
TL;DR
The wife of Sébastien Borget, co-founder of The Sandbox, was targeted in a kidnapping attempt at their home in Villenoy, France. Two teenagers have been arrested, while four other suspects remain at large amid rising crypto-related violence in the country.
Key points
- Sébastien Borget's wife targeted in kidnapping attempt
- Incident occurred in Villenoy, Seine-et-Marne
- Two teenagers arrested, four suspects still at large
- 135 crypto-related kidnapping attempts in France in 2023
Mentioned in this story
Sébastien BorgetThe SandboxVillenoySeine-et-Marne
In brief
- Six suspects allegedly targeted the wife of Sébastien Borget, co-founder and COO of The Sandbox, at their home in Villenoy, Seine-et-Marne, this week.
- Two teenagers were arrested in connection with the incident, while four other suspects remain at large.
- The incident adds to France's surge in crypto-targeted violence, with 135 kidnapping attempts recorded since 2023.
The wife of Sébastien Borget, co-founder of metaverse gaming platform The Sandbox, was targeted in a kidnapping attempt at their French home this week, according to reports in local media.
Per police sources cited in Le Journal de Dimanche, one individual approached the Borget residence in Villenoy, Seine-et-Marne disguised as a deliveryman and carrying a cardboard box. When Borget’s wife opened the gate, five accomplices rushed into the courtyard and attempted to drag her into a Citroën C3, only abandoning the kidnap attempt when neighbors intervened.
Two teenagers were arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping attempt, identified as Mateo V., born in 2010, and Walid H., born in 2009, both from Pantin in Seine-Saint-Denis.
Authorities allegedly discovered the pair carrying a fake handgun, zip-tie restraints, and balaclavas at the time of their arrest. Four others suspected of participating in the incident remain at large.
In a tweet, Borget said he was "truly touched" by the messages of support he had received in the wake of the incident, adding, "Thank you for the outpouring of love, thoughtful messages, and deeply caring words for my family."
💙 Thank you for the outpouring of love, thoughtful messages, and deeply caring words for my family. We’re truly touched by your kindness and support.
— Sebastien 🏞 (@borgetsebastien) May 21, 2026
France and crypto kidnappings
France has emerged as an epicenter of so-called in which crypto owners are threatened with kidnapping and physical violence in order to force them to give access to their . Per , the National Directorate of the Judicial Police has recorded 41 crypto-linked kidnapping attempts since the start of the year.
Q&A
What happened in the kidnapping attempt involving Sébastien Borget's wife?
Sébastien Borget's wife was targeted at their home by six suspects, who attempted to abduct her before fleeing when neighbors intervened.
Who were the suspects arrested in the kidnapping attempt?
Two teenagers, Mateo V. and Walid H., both born in 2009 and 2010, were arrested in connection with the kidnapping attempt.
How many kidnapping attempts have been recorded in France related to crypto in 2023?
France has recorded 135 kidnapping attempts related to crypto since the beginning of 2023.
