French law enforcement has arrested at least a dozen individuals in an ongoing investigation into a wave of violent kidnapping attempts targeting cryptocurrency figures. The crackdown follows two recent high-profile incidents in Paris involving ransom demands and attempted abductions tied to the victims’ connections to the crypto industry.
The operation was led by the Brigade de Répression du Banditisme (BRB), a specialized unit focused on armed criminal activity, with coordinated arrests carried out across Paris and the western Loire-Atlantique region. Authorities confirmed that several of those detained are minors.
According to investigators, the network operated under a loosely organized criminal structure, with suspected leaders using social media platforms to recruit younger participants. The group faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy, as police continue to uncover the full scope of the organization’s operations.
Crypto Executives’ Families Among Abduction Targets
The kidnapping wave began on May 1, when four masked assailants abducted the father of a well-known poker player and cryptocurrency investor in a brazen daylight operation. Disguised as delivery workers using a van with a forged UPS logo, the attackers demanded a ransom of €5 million to €7 million—payable in cryptocurrency.
The man was later rescued by French authorities in the Essonne department, though not before suffering severe trauma. In a brutal act of coercion, the captors severed one of his fingers to pressure the family into meeting their demands. Six suspects involved in this incident—hailing from Algeria, Réunion, and various Paris suburbs—were among those arrested in the recent sweep.
Less than two weeks later, on May 13, another abduction attempt occurred in the 11th Arrondissement of Paris. Three masked and armed individuals targeted a 34-year-old woman in broad daylight. Their attempt was thwarted by the quick intervention of two bystanders who scared off the attackers. It was later revealed that the intended victim was the daughter of Pierre Noizat, CEO and co-founder of the French cryptocurrency exchange Paymium—further illustrating the trend of targeting crypto-connected families.
France Sees Surge in Crypto-Linked Violence
These abductions are part of a growing pattern across France, where criminals are increasingly preying on individuals linked to cryptocurrency. In one of the most high-profile cases to date, David Balland—co-founder of crypto hardware wallet firm Ledger—and his wife were kidnapped in January. Balland also suffered the severing of a finger but was ultimately rescued without any ransom being paid.
The rise in physical attacks has triggered urgent responses from government officials. On May 16, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced a new set of protective measures tailored for cryptocurrency professionals. These include dedicated emergency contact channels and proactive private security assessments at their homes.
According to data compiled by Casa co-founder Jameson Lopp, France has recorded five separate physical attacks involving crypto figures in 2025 alone—more than any other country. The United States, by comparison, has reported three. The spike in violence has raised concerns about France’s growing reputation as a high-risk environment for crypto-affiliated individuals.
Quick Facts
- Over 20 individuals arrested in France for crypto-related kidnapping plots
- Victims included family members of top crypto entrepreneurs
- Ransom demands reportedly ranged up to €10 million
- Criminal network used social media to recruit minors
- France introduced security measures for crypto professionals
