Image reproduced from 工商時報

The price of Bitcoin has surged recently, surpassing the $110,000 mark, leading many influencers to exploit cryptocurrency as a path to wealth. However, a bizarre kidnapping incident involving a French influencer has revealed the reality behind his ostentatious display of wealth, generating significant media coverage in France.

According to reports from French media outlet Europe 1, a 26-year-old influencer with 40,000 followers on TikTok was abducted by four assailants late Friday night (the 13th) on his way home. They demanded a ransom of €50,000 (approximately NT$1.69 million) in cryptocurrency. Under duress, the influencer was forced to open his cryptocurrency accounts, but to the kidnappers' surprise, they found his assets to be woefully inadequate. Ultimately, they decided to release him, a turn of events that drew extensive media attention in France. Many netizens openly criticized the influencer, suggesting that his affluent lifestyle was merely staged.

The investigation by the French police indicated that during his captivity, the influencer was physically assaulted, and the kidnappers insisted he hand over €50,000 worth of cryptocurrency. Although he was released, the ordeal left a lasting impact on his mental and emotional well-being. He has taken a six-day leave from his company to recuperate. Currently, the case has been taken over by the French Directorate of Central and Judicial Police (DCPJ), and policemen are actively pursuing the four assailants.