Rising Kidnappings Prompt Government Action
France is stepping up security for cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families after a troubling spike in violent kidnapping attempts targeting industry figures. The wave of attacks has rattled the growing crypto sector and prompted swift government intervention aimed at preventing further violence.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced enhanced protective measures, including priority access to emergency police lines specifically for those working in the crypto industry. Authorities will also offer home security assessments and safety briefings to families, arming them with practical advice on avoiding danger. Retailleau emphasized that these steps are designed “to prevent, dissuade, and hinder” any future assaults against crypto entrepreneurs and their loved ones.
A String of High-Profile Incidents
The urgency behind the government’s response became clear after several high-profile kidnapping cases in 2025 shook the nation. On May 13, attackers attempted to abduct the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of French cryptocurrency platform Paymium, brazenly targeting them in broad daylight.
Just days earlier, on May 3, Paris police rescued a crypto executive’s father who had been held captive for several days in a kidnapping scheme demanding €7 million (approximately $7.8 million). Authorities foiled the ransom plot, underscoring the rising audacity of criminals drawn to the crypto space.
The first major incident this year occurred on January 21 when David Balland, co-founder of the popular hardware wallet manufacturer Ledger, was forcibly taken from his home. He was held overnight until police launched a timely raid that secured his release the following day. These violent episodes have heightened fears within France’s cryptocurrency community, leading officials to act decisively.
A Growing Threat Since 2014
Kidnappings and robberies tied to the crypto world are not new, but the numbers are escalating sharply. Since 2014, French law enforcement has recorded more than 150 such incidents. Alarming still is that 23 of these took place just in 2025 alone, signaling a disturbing trend.
Criminals are reportedly monitoring potential victims closely—tracking social media posts, attending crypto meetups, and observing public events to identify targets. This predatory behavior has made many entrepreneurs feel increasingly vulnerable as their digital fortunes grow more visible.
Expert Advice for Staying Safe
Prominent figures in the crypto world are urging caution in light of these threats. Bitcoin cypherpunk Jameson Lopp has issued strong warnings against engaging in peer-to-peer trades with unknown parties. He advises against openly flaunting wealth on social media or wearing crypto-branded merchandise in public, both of which can make individuals attractive targets.
Lopp’s security recommendations include dividing crypto assets between “hot” wallets—connected to the internet for trading—and “cold” storage kept offline for added safety. He also stresses the importance of using regulated exchanges and, for those at high risk, hiring vetted security teams to provide physical protection.
What’s Next for France’s Crypto Industry?
Looking ahead, some insiders expect the French government to establish a specialized task force focused solely on combating crypto-related crimes. Others advocate for harsher prison sentences for kidnappers who use ransom demands to exploit cryptocurrency’s perceived anonymity and rapid transferability.
Meanwhile, many executives in the sector are reconsidering their public profiles, both online and at conferences, seeking to reduce visibility to potential criminals.
As the crypto market expands in France and worldwide, it becomes an increasingly lucrative target for criminals eager to profit from ransom schemes. With these new protective measures, authorities hope to stay one step ahead, balancing the innovation of digital assets with the very real dangers posed by escalating criminal activity.
Officials have pledged to continually adapt their strategies, monitoring the evolving threat landscape and listening closely to families who feel exposed. The message is clear: while crypto offers exciting opportunities, safety must come first to protect those driving the industry forward.
