French Authorities Crack Down on Cryptocurrency Kidnappings
French authorities have intensified their crackdown on a series of kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs as a father’s harrowing abduction unfolds. Recently reported by France 24, law enforcement has apprehended additional suspects believed to be connected to the disturbing trend of crypto-related crimes in the nation. This follows an incident where the kidnapped father endured the agony of a severed finger as part of the ransom demands, which soared as high as €7 million (approximately $8 million).
Rising Incidents and Security Concerns
In 2025, there’s been a noticeable rise in such kidnappings, particularly in France, prompting crypto entrepreneurs to enhance their personal security measures. Responding to this escalating threat, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has convened discussions to address these safety concerns. Police reports indicate that the arrested individuals can be detained for up to 96 hours before formal charges are placed, adding another layer of urgency to the investigation.
The father in question was held captive for several days until a police operation on May 3 successfully freed him and led to the arrest of five individuals. Notably, a man believed to be pivotal in orchestrating these kidnappings was captured in Morocco on June 4, signaling a broader effort by authorities to dismantle the networks behind such criminal activities. Prior to this, on May 26, over 12 individuals were apprehended in connection with other significant kidnapping cases across Paris.
High-Profile Kidnappings and Violent Thefts
The spate of violent thefts has raised alarm, with various high-profile individuals being targeted. For instance, the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, the co-founder of the French crypto exchange Paymium, were involved in a daylight kidnapping attempt on May 13. Earlier, in March, online personality Amouranth was the victim of a home invasion where armed assailants demanded access to her cryptocurrency wallet.
According to data compiled by Jameson Lopp from Casa, there have been at least 29 reported incidents involving attacks related to cryptocurrency in 2025 alone, positioning the year to surpass previous records with 35 attacks in 2024 and 24 in 2023.
Criminal Perceptions and Security Awareness
This rising trend may stem from a perception among criminals that cryptocurrencies are untraceable, as suggested by Jonathan Levin, CEO of Chainalysis, during his address at the 2025 Consensus crypto conference. Furthermore, Kraken’s security head Nick Percoco noted a concerning lack of basic security awareness among cryptocurrency users, emphasizing the need for improved safety precautions at public events and gatherings.
