Amid a troubling rise in targeted attacks on crypto professionals, the French government has introduced a sweeping new security initiative to safeguard digital asset entrepreneurs and their families. The move comes in response to a string of violent abductions and attempted kidnappings that have rocked the nation’s crypto industry in recent months.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the program earlier this week, describing it as a “tactical intervention” designed to “prevent, dissuade, and hinder” criminal efforts targeting crypto wealth. The plan includes: a dedicated police hotline for crypto professionals, Scheduled home risk assessments by law enforcement and Personal safety briefings tailored to crypto-specific threats
Retailleau also confirmed that specialized training in crypto asset laundering will be introduced for police officers, helping authorities better investigate financial crimes tied to digital assets.
The initiative follows a series of consultations between government officials and industry stakeholders, prompted by multiple high-profile incidents that have exposed the vulnerability of crypto entrepreneurs and their close relatives.
Crypto Kidnappings in France Spark Fear of Coordinated Attacks
The French crypto sector has been rocked by a series of violent abductions and attempted kidnappings in 2025, fueling fears of an organized criminal network.
On May 13, assailants attempted to kidnap the daughter and grandson of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat in Paris. The attempt was foiled when Noizat’s daughter managed to disarm one attacker, throwing the weapon away before escaping. A bystander reportedly intervened, forcing the suspects to flee.
Just days earlier, on May 3, police rescued the father of another crypto entrepreneur, who had been held hostage in connection with a €7 million ransom demand related to crypto assets.
In January, David Balland, co-founder of Ledger—a leading crypto hardware wallet provider—was abducted from his home and held for over 24 hours before a police raid secured his release.
These incidents have raised red flags about a coordinated campaign targeting wealthy figures in the French crypto space, particularly those who are public-facing or known within local investor circles. Retailleau has hinted at the possibility of a broader criminal ring that may be systematically identifying and pursuing victims based on their crypto connections.
Global Crypto Wealth Visibility Driving Kidnapping Risk
France’s crisis reflects a broader, global trend of rising crypto-related kidnappings and violent crimes tied to digital wealth.
According to a public database maintained by Bitcoin advocate Jameson Lopp, there have been more than 150 confirmed incidents of crypto-related kidnappings, robberies, and extortion since 2014—with 23 new cases already recorded in 2025.
The pattern is consistent: attackers often identify victims through online presence, social media posts, or in-person visibility at crypto conferences and events. Many incidents are highly targeted, with perpetrators using surveillance, coercion, or physical force to access victims’ digital wallets.
Experts are warning that operational security must now extend beyond the digital realm.
Veterans in the space are urging crypto holders to rethink how they present themselves publicly and to treat physical security as essential to safeguarding digital assets.
Quick Facts
- France has launched new police-led protections for crypto entrepreneurs and their families.
- The move follows a wave of kidnappings, including attempted abductions of Paymium CEO’s family and Ledger’s co-founder.
- Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau called for crypto-specific police training and improved household security assessments.
- Over 150 crypto-related abductions have been recorded globally since 2014, with 23 in 2025 alone.
