French authorities detain 12 suspects in crypto fraud
Over a dozen arrested in Paris crypto kidnapping cases
French authorities have arrested over a dozen individuals—including several minors—connected to two high-profile crypto-related kidnapping cases in Paris.
Charges include kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy. Investigators suspect a broader criminal network is recruiting attackers via social media platforms, reports Le Parisien.
In one case on May 13, three men attempted to abduct the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of crypto exchange Paymium. The daylight assault failed after the victims resisted and bystanders intervened.
Crypto Entrepreneurs Targeted in Ransom Schemes
Earlier this month, the father of a French crypto marketing entrepreneur was rescued after being kidnapped for a ransom reportedly between €5 million and €7 million. Authorities have since imprisoned up to six suspects tied to that abduction, though no arrests have yet been made in the attempted kidnapping of Noizat’s family.
These cases follow a similar incident involving David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, who was kidnapped earlier this year in an attack allegedly motivated by crypto ransom demands. He was rescued by police days later. These incidents reflect a troubling trend of criminals targeting crypto-affiliated individuals and their relatives.
Security Measures Intensify Amid Rising Threats
France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has ordered heightened security for crypto executives and their families in response to the spike in targeted attacks. According to cypherpunk Jameson Lopp’s GitHub tracker, France has seen six crypto ransom-related crimes in 2025, half of which occurred in Paris.
In light of these events, crypto industry figures are stepping up their personal protection strategies, including hiring professional bodyguards. The incidents highlight the growing intersection of physical crime and digital wealth, especially as cryptocurrencies gain mainstream adoption.
Recently we wrote that French court has unexpectedly denied Telegram founder Pavel Durov permission to travel to Oslo, Norway, where he was scheduled to speak at the Freedom Forum on May 27.
