Local authorities in Tangier have arrested Badis Mohamed Amidi Bajou, a French-Moroccan accused of orchestrating a series of cryptocurrency-related kidnappings in France. This follows the arrest of 25 lower-ranking members of the gang.
However, some sources report that another leader remains at large in Morocco. Furthermore, these violent kidnappings have become a global trend, and copycats may continue even after the gang is dismantled.
Are cryptocurrency hijackings finally over in France?
The recent wave of cryptocurrency hijackings in France has sparked a major scandal, forcing national authorities to tighten security measures. As of yesterday, 25 suspects, aged between 16 and 23, have been arrested and charged.
But today, Moroccan authorities have succeeded in achieving a breakthrough, as they arrested Bajou in Tangier:
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said, "I extend my sincere thanks to Morocco for this arrest, which reflects the excellent judicial cooperation between our two countries, particularly in the fight against organized crime."
French authorities issued an Interpol Red Notice against Bajot, accusing him of "arrest, abduction, arbitrary detention, or unlawful detention of a hostage." Law enforcement directly identified him as the mastermind behind David Baland's kidnapping, but did not mention any specific connection to other recent incidents.
However, they believe the entire operation was part of a single organization. However, some French media outlets reported that Bajou, 24, was not the group's sole leader. Le Parisien reported that police suspect another key member, a French-Moroccan man in his forties, is still at large.
He and Bajot are alleged to have operated from Morocco, where they recruited young French men to carry out the attacks. Even if this hypothesis is true, both countries are searching for the remaining suspect.
The vast majority of his gang members appear to be in custody, providing ample opportunities for police to turn one of them into an informant. The important question, then, is: Will the dismantling of this kidnapping gang stop the ongoing crime wave in France?
These crimes have become a global phenomenon, with brutal kidnappings occurring in Argentina and the United States. If copycats continue to attempt these brazen attacks, the problem will only become more complex.
