{"id":12661,"date":"2025-06-02T03:13:47","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T01:13:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wsj-crypto.com\/?p=12661"},"modified":"2025-06-02T03:13:47","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T01:13:47","slug":"france-indicts-25-individuals-in-crypto-kidnapping-scheme-in-paris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wsj-crypto.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/02\/france-indicts-25-individuals-in-crypto-kidnapping-scheme-in-paris\/","title":{"rendered":"France Indicts 25 Individuals in Crypto Kidnapping Scheme in Paris"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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French officials have accused 25 individuals, including six minors, in connection with a series of kidnappings and attempted abductions associated with the nation’s cryptocurrency industry.<\/p>\n

The cohort, whose ages range from 16 to 23, is facing allegations linked to various schemes aimed at prominent crypto personalities and their families, as reported by Le Monde indicated<\/a>, referencing a statement from the Paris public prosecutor\u2019s office issued on May 31.<\/p>\n

According to the report, 18 of the suspects are currently in pre-trial custody, three have sought a postponed hearing, and four are under judicial supervision.<\/p>\n

The inquiry focuses on a botched abduction attempt<\/a> that took place on May 13 in Paris\u2019 11th arrondissement. The intended targets were the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of the French cryptocurrency exchange Paymium.<\/p>\n

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En plein Paris, un homme a \u00e9t\u00e9 violent\u00e9 par des individus cagoul\u00e9s, habill\u00e9s tout en noir. Ils tentaient de l’enlever. Un homme a surgi, extincteur \u00e0 la main, pour les faire fuir. \u2192https:\/\/t.co\/P0qV6PR40v<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/9f4r2Gi7ho<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Le Figaro (@Le_Figaro) May 13, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Officials state this was not the initial attempt \u2014 a similar foiled scheme occurred the day before. Days later, authorities also thwarted another operation close to Nantes.<\/p>\n

Related:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Crypto investor loses $2.6M in stablecoins in double phishing scam<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Perpetrators behind the schemes remain unidentified<\/h2>\n

Video footage from the May 13 event, which spread extensively on social media, depicted four masked assailants attacking Noizat\u2019s daughter, her partner, and their child. The victims incurred minor injuries and received hospital treatment.<\/p>\n

The accused reportedly originate from a diverse range of backgrounds, including individuals born in the Paris area, Ch\u00e2tellerault, Senegal, Angola, and Russia.<\/p>\n

Many have been characterized by defense attorneys as \u201cyoung individuals enticed by financial gain and ensnared in a situation beyond their control.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Paris case is part of a wider surge in crypto-related kidnappings in France this year. Notable incidents include the January kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland along with his partner, as well as the May 1 abduction of the father of a crypto millionaire \u2014 a case investigators claim is connected to the current surge of incidents.<\/p>\n

To date, law enforcement has apprehended lower-level operatives and logistical coordinators, but the masterminds behind these schemes remain unknown.<\/p>\n

This escalating threat has captured national attention. France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau met with professionals from the crypto sector<\/a> in mid-May to discuss security measures. The ministry subsequently announced improved collaboration between police and cryptocurrency firms, including home security evaluations conducted by law enforcement and gendarmerie officers.<\/p>\n

Related:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>French minister to meet crypto firms after kidnapping attempt<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Insurance firms to address crypto-related risks<\/h2>\n

As reported, insurers are hastening to create new protections<\/a> aimed at a growing tangible threat: kidnapping for cryptocurrency.<\/p>\n

At least three companies specializing in crypto insurance and security are now developing customized kidnap and ransom (K&R) policies for digital asset investors, according to a recent NBC News report.<\/p>\n

Similarly, executives and investors within the crypto industry are increasingly pursuing personal security solutions. On May 18, the private firm Infinite Risks International\u00a0noted a surge in requests for bodyguards<\/a> and protective contracts from high-profile individuals in the cryptocurrency sector.<\/p>\n

Magazine: <\/strong><\/em>China\u2019s state-backed think tank considers Bitcoin reserve, Sony Bank goes Web3: Asia Express<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n