- France charges 25 suspects in crypto kidnapping and abduction cases.
- Crypto executives’ families targeted in Paris and Nantes kidnap plots.
- 2025 sees a rise in abductions linked to the cryptocurrency sector.
French authorities have charged 25 people in connection with a string of kidnappings and attempted abductions targeting members of the country’s cryptocurrency sector. Among the group are six minors, and the suspects are all between 16 and 23 years old. On May 31, Le Monde reported that the public prosecutor’s office in Paris released the news.
Crypto Executives’ Families Targeted in Coordinated Kidnap Plots
The statement reveals that 18 of the suspects are currently being held in pre-trial detention. Three suspects have been granted a delay in their hearings, and four others have been put under the supervision of the court. The authorities found that the accused created many plans to kidnap leaders in the crypto world and their families.
May 13 was the day of one of the most serious incidents. It was in the 11th arrondissement of Paris that a kidnapping was attempted that day at noon. The criminals wanted the Paymium CEO’s daughter and grandson to give them information they could use. Another attack had happened to the same family the day before, but it did not succeed.
French police also ended an attempted kidnapping in Nantes. The same plotters went after members of the crypto executive’s family. Police were able to arrest more than 20 individuals who were linked to the Paris and Nantes terrorist events. The film about the Paris attack became very popular worldwide. The attackers can be seen in masks shouting at the woman, her husband, and their small child. None of them were seriously injured; all of them visited the hospital after the accident.
Crypto-Related Abductions Rise Across France in 2025
People from different walks of life are suspected of crimes. Most of them were born in the Paris area, but some came from Senegal, Angola, Russia, and Châtellerault. On behalf of the 18-year-old suspect in Nantes, the lawyer said the youth was targeted by money and soon got in over their head.
Moreover, the recent cases are not isolated events. Since the start of 2025, numerous reported abductions that are very similar have appeared in media in France. David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, and his partner were kidnapped in January. Another time, the father of a crypto millionaire had an incident happen to him. It is thought that this case is related to the May 13 attack.
Those held so far are made up of smaller players and those responsible for logistics support. It is still unclear who is directing all these organized crimes in the country.
Since these dangers have increased, Bruno Retailleau, France’s Interior Minister, attended a meeting with crypto leaders in mid-May. The purpose of the meeting was to look at better safety standards. The government assured better teamwork between the police and the crypto industry. Security can mean carrying out checks at the homes of people who work in the crypto world.
Lastly, these cases point out that people working in cryptocurrencies face serious risks. Because digital assets are more valuable, criminals think they can make quick profits. Because of this, authorities are in agreement that efforts to strengthen protections and make better laws are crucial immediately.
The post French Authorities Charge 25 Suspects in Crypto Kidnapping Cases appeared first on Live Bitcoin News.