Binance France CEO Targeted in Surge of Crypto-Related Home Invasions

Paris – The CEO of Binance France, David Prinçay, was the target of a failed home invasion near Paris on February 12, 2026, adding to a growing wave of attacks targeting individuals connected to the cryptocurrency industry in France. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, according to French authorities.

Failed Home Invasion and Arrests

Three masked men forcibly entered a residential building in Val-de-Marne during the early hours of February 12th. They initially entered the wrong apartment before attempting to reach Prinçay’s residence. Prinçay was not home at the time of the attempted break-in, but the group stole two mobile phones before leaving the scene. Bitcoin Magazine reported on the details of the incident.

Following the initial attempt, police believe the same suspects carried out a second break-in in Vaucresson, west of Paris. During this second incident, a resident was reportedly assaulted. The suspects were overheard stating they had the wrong address while on the phone.

French authorities tracked the stolen mobile phones and utilized surveillance footage to identify the suspects’ movements. The three individuals, born in 2004, 2005, and 2007, were apprehended at Lyon Perrache station while traveling by train toward Lyon. They were taken into custody for further investigation. Forbes detailed the coordinated effort involving multiple police units, including those from Paris, Hauts-de-Seine, Val-de-Marne, Yvelines, and transport police services.

Rising Trend of Attacks Targeting Crypto Figures

This incident is part of a broader trend of attacks targeting individuals involved in the cryptocurrency sector in France. Since the beginning of 2025, there has been an increase in kidnappings and thefts linked to cryptocurrencies, coinciding with the growing popularity of these assets. Binance News highlighted this concerning trend.

In January 2025, David Balland, the co-founder of Ledger, a cryptocurrency wallet start-up, and his partner were kidnapped. More recently, six suspects, including a minor, were indicted in Paris for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a magistrate whose partner is connected to a cryptocurrency start-up.

Binance and Regulatory Challenges

Binance, founded in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao, is currently the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally by daily trading volume. According to Wikipedia, the company has faced legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny, including a $4.3 billion fine in November 2023 for violating U.S. Anti-money laundering rules. The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority also ordered Binance to cease regulated activity in the United Kingdom in June 2021. In 2025, reports surfaced of Binance engaging with the family of Donald Trump regarding potential business dealings and administering a trading platform for World Liberty Financial. Zhao was later pardoned by President Trump in October 2025.

Binance has not yet issued a public statement regarding the attempted break-in at Prinçay’s residence.