Belgium crypto kidnapping case leads to three 12-year jail sentences

In a landmark ruling, the Brussels Criminal Court sentenced three men to 12 years in prison for the December 2024 kidnapping of the wife of Belgian crypto entrepreneur Stéphane Winkel. The kidnappers abducted her outside their home, forced her into a van, and demanded a ransom payable in cryptocurrency.

The victim was rescued after a dramatic police chase that ended with the kidnappers’ arrest following a risky maneuver to stop the vehicle. Besides the prison sentences, the court ordered the kidnappers to pay at least €1 million ($1.2 million) in civil damages to the victim. However, the court acknowledged that the masterminds behind the attack remain unidentified and rejected the kidnappers’ claims that they acted under duress.

Stéphane Winkel, a well-known local crypto investor and educator with a significant online following, was deeply affected by the ordeal. The trauma led him and his wife to relocate and prompted Winkel to change his public approach to crypto education, focusing now on safer content without personal exposure. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety over freedom in his online posts.

This case is part of a disturbing global trend of violent kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency investors and their families, often involving ransom demands in crypto assets. Similar incidents have occurred recently in France and the United States, highlighting the growing risks faced by public figures in the crypto space. The Belgian case underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures for crypto entrepreneurs and their families worldwide.

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