French police have arrested several other people over the abduction of a crypto entrepreneur’s father. The victim was seized on May 1 in the 14th arrondissement of Paris.
He was kidnapped in a delivery van. They demanded a ransom of several million euros and cut off one of his fingers, reports stated.
He was freed days later when a tactical police unit raided the suburban safe house. Arrests were made on Tuesday, though authorities have not disclosed the exact number or locations of those detained.
Rising Trend of Crypto-Targeted Attacks
Since the start of 2025, France has seen a spike in kidnappings linked to the cryptocurrency world. Wealthy crypto founders have become prime targets.
Several high-profile cases have shaken the industry and raised alarm over personal security. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has convened meetings with crypto leaders to address the growing risk.
Also Read: Six Men Charged In Chicago Kidnapping And $15M Crypto Ransom Scheme
Previous High-Profile Cases
The wave of crimes began in January when kidnappers seized David Balland, co-founder of the Ledger crypto firm, along with his partner. A finger was removed during that abduction. Both were released the next day.
Police later arrested the suspected leader of that operation, Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, in Morocco. At least nine suspects remain under investigation.
Extortion and Violence
In mid-May, the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of Paymium exchange, faced a daylight kidnapping attempt. They escaped unharmed, but the incident added to fears within the community.
Online personality Amouranth was also targeted in March when armed intruders held her at gunpoint and demanded access to her crypto wallet. Four suspects have since been charged.
Calls for Stronger Security
Entrepreneurs in the cryptocurrency sector are now investing in tight protection. They fear that criminals view digital currencies as untraceable.
At the recent Consensus conference, Chainalysis CEO Jonathan Levin said organised crime still wrongly believes it can hide behind crypto transactions. He urged faster law enforcement action to close the gap between virtual tokens and real-world safety.
Government Response
Interior Minister Retailleau has pledged to tighten controls. He plans to work with police, financial regulators and industry experts.
New measures could include better tracking of large transfers, stricter checks on high net worth clients, and longer sentences for violent offenders. The goal is to protect both investors and innovators from harm.
The arrests in the Paris case mark a crucial step in curbing a wave of violent crimes tied to cryptocurrency wealth. As police close in on the suspects, the industry faces a test of its ability to shield its leaders and their families.
Stronger rules, better coordination and a clear message that such violence will not be tolerated may be the best way to stop these kidnappings before they start.
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