Three Men Sentenced to 12 Years in Crypto Investor Kidnapping Case

Three men were sentenced on Thursday by a criminal court in Brussels to 12 years in prison each for the kidnapping of crypto investor Stephane Winkel's wife. The incident occurred on December 20, 2024, outside the couple’s home, when the victim was forced into a French-registered van. Police intercepted the vehicle near Bruges and arrested the three suspects. A fourth accomplice, a minor, was referred to juvenile court.

The court rejected the defendants’ claims that they were coerced by unidentified “sponsors” and classified the act as a professionally executed hostage-taking. The victims were awarded more than one million euros (approximately $1.2 million) in damages.

The case is part of a broader wave of cryptocurrency-related kidnappings across Europe. Belgian and French authorities continue to investigate similar incidents, with several key suspects still at large. Interpol and Moroccan police recently arrested a prime suspect believed to be involved in related abductions, according to Belgian media reports.