In recent months, there has been a sharp increase in dangerous attacks against cryptocurrency-related entrepreneurs and their family members in France. The goal in each case is the same — to physically and financially harm crypto-wealthy individuals through threats, theft, and ransom. According to The Wall Street Journal, this alarming trend has also seriously concerned the French Ministry of the Interior.
May 13 incident: a threat to personal life
The wife of Paymium cryptocurrency exchange leader Pierre Noizat and their two-year-old daughter were attempted to be kidnapped by unknown individuals in Paris. The woman was rescued through the efforts of her husband and nearby passersby. This incident led to a separate meeting with crypto-company leaders initiated by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau on May 16.
Ransom demands and victims
This is not the first case: in January, David Ballan, the founder of Ledger, a cryptocurrency wallet manufacturer, and his wife were kidnapped. Ballan was tortured and demanded a ransom of 10 million euros. Videos even showed his finger being cut off. Ballan and his wife were later rescued, and some funds were returned.
In 2023, the father of French poker player Killian Desnon was kidnapped from Malta. He was shown in a video with a gun to his head and ransom was demanded. In this case as well, the father was rescued, and one of the suspects was later found to have participated in the attack on Ballan.
Black messengers and young perpetrators
Bruno Retailleau acknowledged that these attacks are not isolated but part of the activities of organized criminal groups. Perpetrators are recruited via Telegram and Signal. Young and inexperienced criminals are quickly found, which often leads to the unsuccessful conclusion of attacks.
Data leaks and easy targets
Over the past few years, the personal information of users of cryptocurrency platforms, including home addresses and assets, has become public. Moreover, many crypto-entrepreneurs showcase their lavish lifestyles on social media, making them ideal targets for thieves.
Not just in France
These incidents are not limited to France. Attacks against crypto-users have also been reported in Estonia, Florida, and other countries. Their common characteristic: organized threats and torture for profit.
From the Zamin.uz editorial team:
The world of cryptocurrency faces not only innovation but also danger. Government agencies and entrepreneurs must prioritize security. If this criminal trend is not addressed, the rapid development in the crypto-business world could lead to alarming consequences.
Photo: Gonzalo Fuentes / Reuters / Scanpix / LETA
