France unleashes sweeping charges against 25 suspects in violent crypto kidnapping plots, signaling a dangerous new frontier as digital wealth draws brutal real-world attacks.
France Confirms 25 Arrests as Crypto Moguls Face Growing Street Threat
French prosecutors said on Saturday that 25 individuals, including six minors, have been charged in connection with a wave of attempted kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency professionals, deepening concerns among the digital asset community about rising physical threats. The arrests followed a failed abduction attempt on May 13 involving the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of crypto firm Paymium. The Paris public prosecutor’s office was quoted by AFP as stating:
Eighteen people have been placed in pre-trial detention, three have requested a deferred hearing, and four have been placed under judicial supervision.
The suspects, aged between 16 and 23, were allegedly part of a network that planned several attacks on figures known for their involvement in the booming digital currency sector.
The Paris attack took place in the capital’s 11th district and was caught on video later circulated on social media platform X. The footage showed masked individuals confronting Noizat’s family in broad daylight. All three victims were lightly injured and taken to hospital. Noizat publicly praised his son-in-law and a bystander who intervened with a red fire extinguisher to repel the assailants.
While investigating this incident, authorities uncovered a second planned kidnapping near Nantes. The accused reportedly include both operational participants and logistical coordinators, with most suspects born in France and others from Senegal, Angola, and Russia. Defense attorneys highlighted the youth of many involved, portraying them as vulnerable and manipulated by the allure of fast money.
For the crypto industry, these events underscore escalating risks faced by public-facing innovators. The spate of incidents dates back to January, when Ledger co-founder David Balland was abducted and mutilated in a ransom scheme, reinforcing the urgency of protective measures. In mid-May, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau convened an emergency session with cryptocurrency leaders, promising stronger security. Recently, crypto exchange Binance shared a five-point safety plan in response to rising physical threats linked to bitcoin’s bull run, aiming to enhance protection for cryptocurrency holders worldwide.
