Binance France head targeted in botched home invasion as three arrested: report

Binance France head David Princay was targeted Thursday morning in a failed home invasion in Val-de-Marne, adding to a string of crypto-linked attacks in France.

Local police reports said that three masked men, reportedly armed, forced entry into a residential building in the early hours of Feb. 12 in a search for the local executive of Binance. After failing to locate him and taking two mobile phones, the suspects left.

Roughly two hours later, before midday, the same group allegedly attempted a second home invasion in Vaucresson, again targeting the crypto entrepreneur but reportedly using the wrong address.

Police traced the stolen phones and used surveillance footage to track the suspects as they boarded a train to Lyon. They were arrested by the BRI at Lyon Perrache station later that day and placed in custody, French outlet RTL reported.

“We are aware of a home break-in involving one of our employees," a Binance spokesperson told The Block. "At this stage, we will not comment on specific details to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and ensure the safety of all involved individuals," they added.

Wrench attacks

France has faced a sustained rise in so-called “wrench attacks,” in which assailants use physical force or threats to obtain access to crypto assets.

The Block’s coverage throughout 2025 documented repeated kidnappings, ransom attempts, and home invasions linked to crypto holders and entrepreneurs.
In June 2025, France had recorded its 10th crypto-related wrench attack of the year after kidnappers targeted a 23-year-old near Paris.

Suspects accused of demanding millions in ransom from relatives of crypto entrepreneurs and a botched crypto ransom attempt tied to the kidnapping of a magistrate were arrested in separate cases.

Updated to include comments from Binance.