Crypto sleuth ZachXBT helped catch kidnappers after streamer targeted in $2M ransom plot

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A crypto investigator known as ZachXBT says he helped resolve a kidnapping case involving a French streamer. He claims his work led to the freezing of a large sum of money – hundreds of thousands of dollars – connected to the crime.

On X (formerly Twitter), ZachXBT reported that French Kick streamer TeufeurS was targeted late in 2023 when a family member was kidnapped in France. He stated that approximately $2 million was paid as a ransom to secure their release.

In August 2023, the streamer’s father was kidnapped in Sarthe, France. The kidnappers disguised themselves as Amazon delivery drivers and forced him into a vehicle. They held him captive and filmed him with a gun pointed at him, sending the videos to his son to demand a ransom.

While overseas, TeufeurS allegedly received videos of his father, who had been kidnapped and was pleading for help. The kidnappers demanded access to his cryptocurrency accounts. Approximately €1.7 million in crypto was transferred to meet their demands, and the victim was later found safe and alive by the side of a road.

ZachXBT helped freeze $800K and catch streamer’s kidnappers

This incident is now considered one of the first in a worrying trend of kidnappings targeting people involved with cryptocurrency in France. Criminals are increasingly going after influencers and investors – or, more often, their families – to demand ransom payments. Fortunately, ZachXBT began investigating the situation.

In late 2023, French streamer TeufeurS was the target of extortion after a family member was kidnapped in France. I can now share that I played a key role in working with Binance Security to freeze approximately $800,000 after a $2 million ransom had already been paid. Six suspects connected to the…

— ZachXBT (@zachxbt) April 22, 2026

ZachXBT shared that he collaborated with Binance’s security team to follow the money trail, which led to the freezing of approximately $800,000 of the ransom payment. He explained that they kept the details confidential while the situation was ongoing due to its sensitive nature.

He also mentioned that six people connected to the incident were arrested, indicating the investigation went further than just tracking the money and helped with broader law enforcement work.

The blockchain investigator, famous for uncovering crypto fraud and tracing stolen money, stated he’s also been helping French authorities with ongoing investigations. He says he’s helped freeze funds and pinpoint suspects involved in a series of recent home burglaries.

ZachXBT has cautioned that these kinds of crimes are happening more often, especially as criminals begin to focus on people who have a lot of cryptocurrency.

Popular streamer Amouranth experienced a frightening home invasion where thieves tried to force her to give them access to her cryptocurrency accounts. Fortunately, her husband fired at the intruders, scaring them away. Police later apprehended the suspects.

Of course, not everyone has someone who can help them like that. So, this crypto investigator advised anyone targeted by a scam to act immediately, explaining that waiting can make it much harder to track down and get their money back. He said, “If you or someone you know is scammed, contact help as quickly as possible—don’t delay.”

TeufeurS publicly thanked ZachXBT for helping him, and shared a news story about a different case of someone being blackmailed in the crypto world.

It’s tough to admit, but even though my whole family is now safely outside of France, and everyone is okay after what happened to me, I’ve lost all my crypto. It’s really put me off the whole thing. I have my court case coming up soon, and I’m hoping the judge will make an example of whoever is responsible.

— TeufeurS (@teufeurs) April 22, 2026

He expressed his sadness, explaining that despite his family’s safe relocation out of France following a recent incident, he’d lost all of his cryptocurrency, leaving him feeling deeply upset and disgusted.

TeufeurS mentioned the trial is soon and wants to send a strong message to the kidnappers, hoping it will deter others from committing similar crimes.

One issue in France is that criminals don’t seem to fear the consequences of the legal system. Hopefully, those responsible will receive a severe punishment.

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2026-04-22 17:52