Val-de-Marne, France — A member of Binance’s team is safe following a botched home invasion targeting the exchange’s French CEO, David Prinçay, on Thursday. Reports indicate that three masked assailants attempted to break into Prinçay’s residence, but fled empty-handed after discovering he was not at home.
According to local sources, the attackers, who were armed with a wrench, managed to steal two mobile phones before escaping. The incident took a troubling turn when a woman was injured during the attack, as the suspects mistakenly searched an adjacent home.
In a statement, Binance confirmed that Prinçay and his family are unharmed and are working closely with law enforcement authorities. The exchange added that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, and the investigation continues.
The rise in wrench attacks, where physical violence is employed to steal cryptocurrency, has raised alarms in France. According to a specialized tracker created by Bitcoin developer Jameson Lopp, over 70 such incidents occurred in 2025 alone, demonstrating a growing trend of violence against individuals associated with the crypto industry.
Wrench attacks are not new, but the recent spike in high-profile cases has intensified fears among crypto investors. So far in 2026, there have been at least 14 reported incidents, with a significant concentration occurring in France. Lopp’s tracker indicates that 11 of these attacks this year have taken place within the country, highlighting a troubling pattern.
The environment for cryptocurrency stakeholders has become increasingly perilous, particularly following incidents like the 2025 kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife, who were held for approximately 24 hours before rescue by the authorities.
Despite the recent surge in violent attacks, Binance has refrained from commenting further on the specific details of the incident concerning Prinçay. Local law enforcement and the executive have also not shared additional information as inquiries continue.
As cryptocurrency gains popularity, so too does the risk associated with it. Investors are urged to remain cautious as the crypto landscape evolves alongside its vulnerabilities, a scenario recently underscored by this failed home invasion targeting a leading industry figure.