France Uncovers Crypto Kidnapping Ring: 25 Suspects Indicted, Some as Young as 16

French authorities have formally charged 25 individuals, including some as young as 16 years old, in connection with a series of attempted kidnappings targeting individuals in the crypto industry and their families. Investigators uncovered a coordinated plot designed to extort access to digital wealth through violence.

🔍 Crypto Community and Families Targeted According to local media, suspects aged 16 to 23 were allegedly part of a gang that targeted crypto-affiliated individuals. The attacks often involved stolen vehicles and fake courier uniforms to conceal their intentions.

🏙️ Attack in Central Paris: CEO’s Family Targeted The central case of the indictment involves a May 13 kidnapping attempt in Paris’ 11th district, where masked assailants attacked the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of crypto platform Paymium. The attack happened in broad daylight and was caught on video, which later spread online. Fortunately, all three victims sustained only minor injuries. Authorities believe this incident was part of a larger operation, which included another failed attempt the previous day and a separate plot near Nantes shortly after.

🕵️‍♂️ Elite Unit Leads Raid: Most Suspects in Custody Following a large-scale police operation on May 27, led by the Brigade de Répression du Banditisme – France’s anti-gang unit – 25 individuals were arrested.

🔹 18 remain in custody,

🔹 4 are under judicial supervision,

🔹 and 3 await court hearings. The suspects reportedly come from diverse backgrounds, including Paris, Châtellerault, Senegal, Angola, and Russia. Some defense attorneys described the accused as vulnerable youths, lured into crime by promises of fast money, without understanding the severity of their actions.

💻 Crypto in the Crosshairs of Organized Crime French officials believe the operation may be linked to a well-structured criminal network that recruits perpetrators via social media for high-risk kidnappings. Investigators claim those arrested appear to be foot soldiers and logistics handlers, while the masterminds are still at large.

🛡️ Government Responds: Crypto Security Under Review France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau responded by meeting with crypto industry stakeholders in May, discussing enhanced safety protocols for individuals active in the digital asset space.

#CryptoCrime , #DigitalAssets , #CyberSecurity , #SecurityAlert , #CryptoNewss

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies! Notice: ,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“