French prosecutors have charged 25 individuals, including six minors, in connection with a growing wave of crypto-related kidnappings that have rocked Paris and other parts of the country. The suspects, aged 16 to 23, were linked to multiple plots targeting prominent crypto executives and their families, according to the Paris public prosecutor’s office.
The most high-profile case centers on a failed abduction attempt on May 13 in Paris’ 11th arrondissement. The intended victims were the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of French crypto exchange Paymium. The attack, captured on video and widely shared online, showed four masked assailants assaulting Noizat’s daughter, her husband, and their child, who sustained minor injuries.
Suspects in Custody, But Masterminds Still at Large
Out of the 25 charged individuals:
- 18 are in pre-trial detention
- 3 have requested a deferred hearing
- 4 remain under judicial supervision
Despite the wave of arrests, the masterminds behind the coordinated attacks remain unidentified. Authorities suggest these suspects were lower-level operatives, logistics handlers, or opportunistic participants lured by promises of fast money.
Defense lawyers described many of the accused as “young profiles caught in over their heads”, hailing from regions across France, as well as Senegal, Angola, and Russia.
Crypto Figures Increasingly Targeted in France
The Paris case is part of a troubling trend. In 2025 alone:
- Ledger co-founder David Balland and his partner were kidnapped in January.
- On May 1, the father of a crypto millionaire was abducted near Nantes.
Investigators believe these attacks are linked to organized criminal networks exploiting the anonymity and portability of cryptocurrency.
Government and Industry Respond with Enhanced Protection
In response, France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau convened a high-level meeting with crypto industry leaders in mid-May. Among the announced initiatives:
- Home security checks by police for high-risk individuals
- Enhanced coordination between law enforcement and crypto firms
Meanwhile, insurance companies are stepping up. Several firms are now developing kidnap and ransom (K&R) policies specifically tailored for crypto investors.
Additionally, private security demand is surging. Dutch firm Infinite Risks International reported a notable uptick in requests for personal bodyguards from crypto executives and whales.