Violent Kidnap Attempt on Cryptocurrency Executive's Family in Paris Thwarted

In a shocking incident on Tuesday morning, a gang attempted to kidnap the daughter and grandson of a cryptocurrency executive in Paris. The couple fought back against their three attackers, who ultimately fled the scene empty-handed thanks to the intervention of passers-by. This incident highlights the growing trend of abductions targeting individuals connected to the cryptocurrency industry in France.

A dramatic kidnapping attempt was foiled in the heart of Paris on Tuesday morning, as a masked gang tried to abduct the daughter and young grandson of a prominent cryptocurrency executive. The brazen attack occurred around 08:20 local time in the 11th district of the French capital and was captured on video by an onlooker.

The family, believed to be related to a co-founder of the French Bitcoin exchange platform Paymium, found themselves in a intense struggle when three men leapt from a white van and tried to drag them away. The woman's husband bravely defended his family, enduring multiple blows as the couple yelled for help amidst the chaos.

In a tense moment, the daughter managed to wrestle a firearm from one of the attackers, throwing it into the street. While it was later identified as a replica air gun, the incident still sent shockwaves through the scene, which included children heading to a local primary school.

Initially, bystanders were hesitant to intervene, but as locals rallied to assist, the three assailants abandoned their plan and fled the scene in a van driven by an accomplice. In a frantic bid for escape, one bystander even threw a fire extinguisher at the vehicle as it sped away.

Both the daughter and her grandson were treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital. The police brigade specializing in armed robbery is set to investigate this shocking incident, which marks the latest in a series of similar kidnappings targeting individuals associated with the cryptocurrency industry in France.

This botched kidnapping follows closely on the heels of a recent event where the father of a cryptocurrency millionaire was abducted while walking his dog. The terrified victim was held for ransom and had to endure severe brutality, including the loss of a finger, before being rescued by police.

The chilling frequency of such attacks raises significant concerns about the safety of those in the cryptocurrency sector in France, with alarming incidents, including a January abduction of Ledger co-founder David Balland, illustrating the risks involved.