In a significant move to combat rising criminal threats against cryptocurrency entrepreneurs, French police have arrested over 20 individuals linked to a series of kidnapping plots. These conspiracies primarily target those associated with cryptocurrency, as well as their families, sparked by concerns regarding the safety of individuals possessing substantial crypto wealth.
Police investigations have unveiled recent kidnapping attempts, including a notable case in Nantes and a failed abduction in Paris in May. French media reports indicate a total of 24 suspects are now in custody. One highlighted incident involved a masked gang's attempt to abduct the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, a prominent figure in the French Bitcoin market, during an attempt in mid-May.
Local law enforcement intervened before the Nantes region kidnapping could occur, further emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Reports also reveal other disturbing incidents, such as the kidnapping of a cryptocurrency millionaire's father in Paris on May 1, where the perpetrators allegedly demanded a ransom between 5-7 million euros. The victim, found days later, had sustained severe injuries.
Additionally, the case of David Balland, a co-founder of cryptocurrency firm Ledger, stands out, as he and his wife were abducted from their home in January. They were later rescued, but Balland suffered a severe injury during the ordeal, raising alarms about the increasing risks faced by individuals in the crypto space.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has recognized the escalating threat and held an emergency meeting with industry leaders to outline measures to improve safety for cryptocurrency professionals and their families. He assured that significant government resources would be dedicated to tracking and apprehending those responsible for these violent crimes.
Police investigations have unveiled recent kidnapping attempts, including a notable case in Nantes and a failed abduction in Paris in May. French media reports indicate a total of 24 suspects are now in custody. One highlighted incident involved a masked gang's attempt to abduct the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, a prominent figure in the French Bitcoin market, during an attempt in mid-May.
Local law enforcement intervened before the Nantes region kidnapping could occur, further emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Reports also reveal other disturbing incidents, such as the kidnapping of a cryptocurrency millionaire's father in Paris on May 1, where the perpetrators allegedly demanded a ransom between 5-7 million euros. The victim, found days later, had sustained severe injuries.
Additionally, the case of David Balland, a co-founder of cryptocurrency firm Ledger, stands out, as he and his wife were abducted from their home in January. They were later rescued, but Balland suffered a severe injury during the ordeal, raising alarms about the increasing risks faced by individuals in the crypto space.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has recognized the escalating threat and held an emergency meeting with industry leaders to outline measures to improve safety for cryptocurrency professionals and their families. He assured that significant government resources would be dedicated to tracking and apprehending those responsible for these violent crimes.
