Yigit Taha OZTURK 
French prosecutors have charged 25 individuals, including six minors, over a wave of crypto-related kidnappings and attempted abductions. According to the Paris public prosecutor’s office, the suspects are between 16 and 23 years old and targeted high-profile crypto executives and their families.
Eighteen suspects are currently in pre-trial detention, three have requested a deferred hearing, and four remain under judicial supervision, Le Monde reported.
Crypto CEO’s Family Targeted In Failed Abduction
The investigation focuses on a failed May 13 kidnapping attempt in Paris’ 11th arrondissement. The intended victims were the daughter, son-in-law, and grandson of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat. CCTV footage showed four masked attackers violently confronting the family. All three were hospitalized and treated for minor injuries.
Authorities believe this was not an isolated incident. A similar attempt had failed the night before, and another kidnapping operation near Nantes was thwarted days later.
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The suspects come from varied backgrounds, including regions in France and countries like Senegal, Angola, and Russia. Defense attorneys say many were “young and lured by money, unaware of the consequences.”
Plot Leaders Still Missing
French law enforcement believes the arrests have so far only netted the lower-tier operatives and logistics personnel. The main orchestrators of the kidnapping ring remain unidentified.
This case is part of a broader trend of physical attacks tied to digital wealth. In January, Ledger co-founder David Balland and his partner were abducted. On May 1, the father of a crypto millionaire was also targeted, with links to the same network.
France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau recently met with crypto industry players to address the growing threat. As a result, new cooperation protocols were announced, including home security assessments conducted by police and gendarmerie officers.
Insurance providers are also entering the space. At least three firms are now developing custom kidnap and ransom (K&R) policies tailored for crypto investors. Meanwhile, security firms report a surge in demand for private protection from industry figures.
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