VIDEO: How cryptocurrency traders became the new target of gangs

While the cryptocurrencies are breaking records, they have become a prime loot for criminals. Traders are increasingly targeted and their attacks increasingly violent. Three and a half months ago, David Balland, the co-founder of Ledger, one of the largest cryptocurrency companies, was kidnapped from his home in Cher and then held captive. He had a finger cut off by his captors before being released by the police.

Behind the kidnappings are criminal networks similar to those involved in drug trafficking. These people are based abroad, in Dubai or Morocco, for example, and are said to be in control of those operating on the ground. "These are contractors who have teams in France and give instructions to carry out these operations with a very specific structure. Then, these young people, who are recruited through social networks, take action for a few thousand euros," explained Bruno Pomart, a former Raid instructor.

Watch the full report in the video above