Crypto influencer kidnapped but promptly released after the criminals realized this important detail

A 26-year-old cryptocurrency trader and TikTok content creator was kidnapped in France last week but was released a day later when the criminals realized this one thing.

Cryptocurrency-related kidnappings, particularly in France, have risen dramatically over the past few months.

We’ve seen physical ransom notes containing severed fingers and multiple crypto-related kidnappings happening in one week. But this story really takes the cake.

A cryptocurrency trader turned TikTok influencer was kidnapped in France but was released a day later after the criminals found out that he was actually broke, a report from the French radio station, Europe 1, said.

The trader was travelling home from Juvisy-sur-Orge in northern France when he was forced into a stolen car that sped away, leaving the influencer helpless.

He was then beaten, and his kidnappers demanded €50,000 (roughly $57,000) in cryptocurrency.

Seeing as the 26-year-old amassed 40,000 followers on TikTok due to his cryptocurrency trading, his captors believed that he had the funds to pay the ransom. But oh, were they wrong.

The trader showed the criminals the low balance in his wallet, and the TikToker was promptly released as he was of no use to the kidnappers.

The victim was given six days of temporary incapacity from work, and the Organized and Specialized Crime Division is now investigating the event, Europe 1 reports.

At least he’s still got all his digits.