**Wave of Arrests in France Following Cryptocurrency Kidnapping Schemes**

Sat Jul 26 2025 16:20:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
**Wave of Arrests in France Following Cryptocurrency Kidnapping Schemes**

French police crackdown on plots targeting crypto entrepreneurs reveals growing concerns over their safety.


Over 20 suspects detained amid rising incidents of crypto-related kidnappings in France.

In a significant law enforcement action, French police have taken over 20 individuals into custody linked to various kidnapping schemes involving cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their family members. This crackdown follows a series of alarming incidents, including a recent abduction attempt in Nantes and a foiled kidnapping in Paris that occurred in May.

Authorities highlighted that these criminal events have raised alarm over the vulnerability of individuals with significant cryptocurrency assets, making them prime targets for ransom-seeking criminals. In response to these concerns, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced plans earlier in the month to enhance protective measures for the nation's crypto industry leaders and their families.

According to reports from Franceinfo, the arrests included a collaborative effort resulting from a failed abduction involving a masked gang that targeted the daughter and young grandson of Pierre Noizat, co-founder of the French Bitcoin exchange Paymium, in Paris on May 13. Police acted quickly, thwarting the kidnapping before it could be executed.

Meanwhile, several other kidnapping attempts have surfaced throughout France over recent months. One striking incident involved the kidnapping of a cryptocurrency millionaire's father on May 1, where kidnappers demanded a ransom of 5-7 million euros. He was found with a severed finger days later, further illustrating the brutal tactics employed by these criminals.

Compounding these issues, David Balland, a notable name in the cryptocurrency sector as the co-founder of Ledger, was kidnapped alongside his wife at their home earlier this year. Their ordeal ended with a similar outcome, as they were rescued by police after the criminals had requested a staggering 10 million euro ransom.

In light of these rising threats, Minister Retailleau convened an urgent meeting with industry leaders in mid-May, reiterating the government's commitment to harnessing “the entire state apparatus” to identify and apprehend those responsible for these violent crimes and restore safety to those in the cryptocurrency sector.

MORE ON THEME

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:20:47 GMT

Trump's Golf Course Opening Sparks Controversy in Scotland

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:20:47 GMT
Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:48:40 GMT

**Trump's Scottish Golf Tour: A Mix of Business and Politics**

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:48:40 GMT
Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:05:25 GMT

Legal Turnaround: High-Profile Arrests Loom in Global Human Trafficking Case**

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:05:25 GMT
Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:42:13 GMT

International Baby Trafficking Ring Uncovered in Indonesia

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:42:13 GMT
Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:56:44 GMT

"Suweida Bloodbath: A Community in Fear Amidst Sectarian Violence"

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:56:44 GMT
Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:24:35 GMT

The Last Newspaper Hawker of Paris: A Living Legend

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:24:35 GMT
Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:38:21 GMT

**Unveiling a Disturbing Trafficking Ring: Baby Sales in Indonesia**

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:38:21 GMT
Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:14:56 GMT

**Germany's Merz Acknowledges European Defence Shortcomings, Seeks Closer UK Ties**

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:14:56 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:11:22 GMT

Unrest Erupts in Southern Spain Amid Anti-Migrant Riots

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:11:22 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:28:59 GMT

**Torre Pacheco: Tensions Escalate Amid Anti-Migrant Unrest in Southern Spain**

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:28:59 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:54:57 GMT

Australia's Prime Minister Strives for Balance During China Visit

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:54:57 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:50:03 GMT

Escalating Violence in Southern Syria: Druze and Bedouin Clash Leaves Many Dead

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:50:03 GMT
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:41:09 GMT

Armed Conflict Erupts Between Druze and Bedouin in Southern Syria

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:41:09 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 20:35:20 GMT

Macron Emphasizes Military Strength in Response to Global Threats

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 20:35:20 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 15:08:28 GMT

**Canada's Carney Faces Tough Choices Amid Trump Tariff Threats**

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 15:08:28 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:33:25 GMT

US Resumes Military Aid to Ukraine Amid Intensified Russian Attacks

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:33:25 GMT
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:55:42 GMT

Global Human Trafficking Crackdown Yields Over 150 Arrests and Identifies 1,000 Victims**

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:55:42 GMT
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 11:59:33 GMT

Kurdish Fighters Mark Historic Disarmament Ceremony to Pursue Peace with Turkey

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 11:59:33 GMT
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:25:39 GMT

Record-Breaking Birkin Bag Fetches £7 Million at Auction

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:25:39 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:11:02 GMT

**National Rally Condemns Police Raids as Political Harassment Amid Campaign Finance Inquiry**

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:11:02 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.