365Crypto
Over a dozen people have been arrested in France over two shocking kidnapping cases tied to crypto.
French police say those arrested include several minors. They’re accused of kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, and being part of a criminal gang. Authorities believe a larger organization might be behind these crimes. Social media may have helped recruit the suspects.
On May 13, three men tried to kidnap the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of French crypto exchange Paymium. This happened in broad daylight in Paris. Bystanders stepped in and stopped the attack. A video shows Noizat’s daughter fighting back as passersby rushed in.
In another case earlier in May, the father of a crypto marketing executive was kidnapped. The criminals demanded a ransom of 5 to 7 million euros. French police managed to rescue him. At least six people are now behind bars for this incident.
Police haven’t yet arrested anyone in the Noizat case, but they believe it’s connected. The six jailed suspects are thought to be tied to both plots.
This isn’t the first time crypto figures have been targeted. Earlier this year, David Balland, co-founder of hardware wallet company Ledger, was kidnapped from his home. The attackers wanted crypto. He was rescued by police days later.
Because of this wave of crime, France’s Interior Minister has ordered more protection for crypto executives and their families.
A GitHub page by Casa co-founder Jameson Lopp lists six crypto ransom cases in France this year. Three of them happened in Paris.
Crypto insiders are now beefing up their personal security—some even hiring bodyguards.
Footnotes:
Paymium – A French crypto exchange platform.
Ledger – Company that makes hardware wallets to store cryptocurrencies securely.
Casa – A company offering tools for self-custody of crypto assets.
