The cryptocurrency world is rocked by a wave of kidnappings. Hoping to extort a ransom, hardened criminals have begun targeting the relatives of entrepreneurs involved in the crypto ecosystem. In January, Ledger co-founder David Balland was kidnapped by a gang of thugs. Rescued by the GIGN, the entrepreneur was mutilated by his captors. More recently, the daughter of Pierre Noizat, founder of the startup Paymium, was the target of an attempted kidnapping in broad daylight in Paris. The operation was foiled at the last minute by the victim's partner and a neighbor.
According to figures from engineer Jameson Lopp, 26% of attacks against crypto giants in 2025 took place in France. There have already been seven in France since the beginning of the year. Several factors explain this phenomenon, including the explosion of data leaks. As researcher Clément Domingo explains, it turns out that the address of Pierre Noizat's daughter was "in a hacked database of a major French brand... a few months ago." Since last year, data thefts have accelerated in France. The data of more than millions of French people ended up on black markets, within reach of criminals.
France's plan to combat kidnappings
In this anxiety-provoking context, French crypto entrepreneurs have called for strong measures from the State. Last week, big names in the ecosystem, including Pierre Noizat and Eric Larchevêque of Ledger, appeared on television to demand changes in security. Eric Larchevêque notably called for "zero tolerance for acts of violence" as well as "swift, firm, and transparent justice" in order to combat "the Mexicanization of France."
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau ended up inviting several major players in the French crypto ecosystem to an "exceptional" meeting. During the meeting, he outlined his plan to protect cryptocurrency tycoons from criminals seeking to extort money from them.
First, the plan provides for "priority access to the emergency number 17" for all crypto entrepreneurs and their loved ones. In case of emergency, entrepreneurs will be able to use a direct line to notify the authorities. This line should help stop kidnapping attempts in advance.
Furthermore, Bruno Retailleau offers home security consultations. In short, law enforcement will come to ensure the safety of the homes of potential victims. Along the same lines, security briefings will be organized by the police, including the GIGN, with the families of the most exposed individuals.
Finally, the Interior Minister's plan provides for the establishment of a "double point of contact with the number 17 for any form of emergency." This new internal organization should allow for better incident handling by ensuring a smooth connection between local security forces that receive the alert and the Ministry of the Interior's national cyber coordination center. The guidelines also include training law enforcement in combating cryptocurrency laundering. By reacting quickly and with a good dose of expertise, it is often possible to freeze funds recovered by criminals. This is what happened in the wake of David Balland's kidnapping. To date, no crypto kidnapping has resulted in the enrichment of kidnappers. A national action plan is currently being developed with the support of the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (ADAN).
The actions planned by the Minister of the Interior have not convinced most crypto magnates. Present at the meeting organized by Bruno Retailleau, Eric Larchevêque indicated that he did not want "the State to protect us in our place":
Source: Intérieur.gouv
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