France Charges 25 in Crypto Sector Kidnapping Attempts

French authorities have charged 25 individuals, including six minors, in connection with a series of kidnappings and attempted abductions targeting members of the country’s cryptocurrency sector. The suspects, ranging in age from 16 to 23, were involved in plots to kidnap leaders in the crypto world and their families. The public prosecutor’s office in Paris announced the news on May 31.

Among the suspects, 18 are currently in pre-trial detention, three have requested a deferred hearing, and four are under judicial supervision. The most serious incident occurred on May 13 in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, where a kidnapping attempt targeted the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of Paymium. The attackers, armed with weapons, attempted to abduct the family members to extract information. Another attack on the same family had occurred the previous day but was unsuccessful.

French police also thwarted an attempted kidnapping in Nantes, where the same group targeted members of a crypto executive’s family. The authorities arrested more than 20 individuals linked to the Paris and Nantes incidents. The Paris attack gained worldwide attention, with footage showing masked attackers confronting the family. Fortunately, none of the victims sustained serious injuries, and all were treated at a hospital.

The suspects come from diverse backgrounds, with most born in the Paris area, while others hail from Senegal, Angola, Russia, and Châtellerault. A lawyer representing an 18-year-old suspect in Nantes described the youth as being lured by money and quickly becoming overwhelmed by the situation.

These incidents are part of a broader trend of crypto-related abductions in France. Since the start of 2025, several similar abductions have been reported, including the kidnapping of David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, and his partner in January. Another incident involved the father of a crypto millionaire, which is believed to be connected to the May 13 attack. The individuals arrested so far are mostly smaller players and those involved in logistics support, with the masterminds behind these organized crimes still at large.

In response to these increasing threats, France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, held a meeting with crypto leaders in mid-May to discuss enhanced safety standards. The government emphasized better collaboration between the police and the crypto industry, suggesting measures such as conducting checks at the homes of crypto professionals. These cases underscore the significant risks faced by individuals in the cryptocurrency sector, as digital assets become more valuable and attractive to criminals seeking quick profits. Authorities agree that immediate efforts to strengthen protections and improve legislation are crucial.