French authorities have charged 25 suspects, including six minors aged 16 to 23, linked to a series of kidnapping attempts targeting prominent figures in France’s cryptocurrency sector. The Paris public prosecutor’s office confirmed that 18 suspects are in pre-trial detention, with others under judicial supervision or requesting deferred hearings.
The investigation highlights a disturbing trend of criminals focusing on crypto wealth through violent family abductions. A high-profile May 13th kidnapping attempt in Paris involved masked attackers targeting the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of cryptocurrency firm Paymium. The victims suffered minor injuries. Investigations revealed multiple coordinated failed attempts, including plots near Nantes, with over 20 suspects arrested in raids conducted by France’s anti-gang unit.
The suspects are mostly from the Paris area but include individuals from Senegal, Angola, Russia, and Châtellerault, indicating an international recruitment network exploiting vulnerable youths. Defense attorneys describe many defendants as young individuals lured by promises of quick money, unaware of the crimes’ severity.
This pattern is part of a larger wave of crypto-related kidnappings in France in 2025, including the high-profile abduction of David Balland, co-founder of hardware wallet maker Ledger, earlier this year. Authorities have confirmed links between the May 13 Paymium attack and other kidnapping plots targeting crypto wealth holders.
Government response includes meetings led by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau with crypto industry professionals to develop enhanced security collaboration between law enforcement and crypto companies. Measures involve home security checks by police and gendarmerie to protect executives and their families from physical threats, reflecting recognition of new criminal targets due to France’s growing crypto sector.