In a harrowing scene that could have been pulled from a thriller movie, the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat — the CEO and co-founder of French crypto exchange Paymium — narrowly escaped a bold kidnapping attempt in broad daylight on the streets of Paris.
On May 13, three masked assailants ambushed Noizat’s daughter and her young son in the bustling 11th district. The attackers tried to shove them into a waiting van, but the plan quickly unraveled when the mother fought back with extraordinary courage. According to reports, she managed to disarm one of the attackers, tossing away a firearm during the scuffle, despite the violent assault on her male partner who tried to intervene.
Thanks to the intervention of brave bystanders, the attackers fled the scene, abandoning their van nearby. All three victims were injured and later hospitalized. French authorities, including the elite anti-banditry police unit, have launched an intense investigation.
This alarming incident is part of a disturbing trend targeting crypto entrepreneurs and their families. As digital assets grow in value and visibility, so too do the threats that surround them.
Michael Englander, CEO of Polish exchange Plasbit, didn't mince words:
> “If you’re in crypto and still flaunting it online, you’re not just stupid — you’re putting your family in danger.”
Crypto attorney Sasha Hodder echoed the concern:
> “Crypto theft is evolving. It’s no longer just SIM swaps or phishing — it’s becoming violently personal.”
And the statistics back it up. Just this May, a man was allegedly kidnapped and robbed of $4 million in crypto and NFTs in Las Vegas. Earlier in Paris, police rescued a crypto entrepreneur’s father who was being held for a €7 million ransom. In January, Ledger co-founder David Balland was abducted from his home, held overnight before being rescued.
Crypto security advocate Jameson Lopp has documented over 20 in-person attacks already this year, and a University of Cambridge study warns many of these so-called “wrench attacks” go unreported — often due to fear, shame, or involvement of someone close to the victim.
As these chilling events pile up, one thing is crystal clear: crypto wealth isn’t just digital anymore — it comes with real-world risks.
