A major breakthrough has been made in a series of violent crypto-related kidnappings that have rocked France over the past two years. Moroccan authorities have arrested Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, a 24-year-old French-Moroccan national, in Tangier following an Interpol red notice issued at the request of French prosecutors.
Bajjou is suspected of masterminding a wave of coordinated abductions and extortion attempts targeting wealthy crypto entrepreneurs and their families. According to Le Parisien, he had allegedly orchestrated the attacks remotely since July 2023, making him one of the most wanted figures in a sprawling investigation that has already seen 25 suspects indicted—including several minors.
Among the most harrowing cases linked to Bajjou is the abduction of Ledger co-founder David Balland. Prosecutors say Balland was mutilated and held for a €10 million crypto ransom. In a separate case, masked men attempted to kidnap the daughter of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat, along with her husband and child. The brazen daylight attack was thwarted by bystanders who intervened and chased the suspects off.
In another earlier incident tied to the ring, an elderly woman was abducted from her home, with attackers allegedly seeking to extort crypto from her son.
With Bajjou now in custody, French authorities are working to map the full scope of his operations and determine whether he was operating solo or as part of a larger transnational criminal network. The arrest marks a key development in the ongoing fight against crypto-targeted organized crime.
Weapons, Phones, and Cash Seized in Tangier Arrest
When Moroccan police captured Bajjou in Tangier, they uncovered a trove of evidence deepening suspicions about his criminal role. Local reports confirm the seizure of multiple bladed weapons, dozens of mobile phones, and a stash of cash suspected to be linked to the extortion ring.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin praised Moroccan law enforcement for their swift and cooperative action. Still, the case remains open. Another key suspect—a Franco-Moroccan man in his 40s, believed to be a senior figure in the group—remains at large.
The arrest comes amid a sharp rise in crypto-focused kidnappings and extortion schemes targeting high-net-worth individuals in France. Senior officials, including Senator Bruno Retailleau, have pledged to bolster protections for digital asset entrepreneurs and ensure all perpetrators face justice.
The crackdown reflects a broader international concern, as similar high-profile crypto-related kidnappings have been reported in the United Kingdom and United States. This surge in targeted violence is fueling urgent calls for enhanced security protocols and cross-border law enforcement collaboration.
Quick Facts
- Moroccan police arrested Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, 24, in Tangier on an Interpol warrant.
- Bajjou is accused of organizing multiple crypto kidnappings and extortion plots in France.
- Victims include Ledger co-founder David Balland and the family of Paymium’s CEO.
- Police seized weapons, phones, and cash during the arrest.
- French officials warn of rising crypto-related crime targeting wealthy individuals.
