- French officials are meeting with cryptocurrency industry leaders to address an increase in kidnapping attempts targeting crypto wealth.
- Recent incidents in Paris have prompted discussions on measures to protect crypto businesspeople and their families.
- Authorities vow to pursue suspects, including those potentially operating from abroad, following several high-profile abduction cases.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced plans to meet with professionals from the cryptocurrency industry this week, aiming to address and prevent a growing number of kidnappings and attempted kidnappings tied to crypto assets in France.
The move comes after a recent attempted abduction in Paris, where four masked attackers targeted the daughter and grandson of a well-known French crypto entrepreneur. According to Retailleau, the meeting will take place at the interior ministry, bringing together industry representatives to discuss better protection against similar threats.
Police sources told AFP that the latest incident occurred in Paris’s 11th district on Tuesday, with a couple and their child being assaulted by armed men. All three victims suffered minor injuries and received medical attention at a hospital. The woman attacked is the daughter of the CEO and co-founder of Paymium, a French company specializing in cryptocurrency exchanges.
Earlier this year, another case involved the abduction of David Balland, co-founder of the Ledger crypto firm. During the ordeal, Balland’s finger was cut off by his captors. Law enforcement authorities have since detained at least nine suspects in connection with that kidnapping, including the individual believed to have planned the attack.
In May, a separate group abducted a man in an attempt to force his son—reported to be a cryptocurrency millionaire—to pay a ransom. Seven people were arrested after a successful police operation to free the hostage.
Interior Minister Retailleau emphasized the need for coordinated action, telling Europe 1/CNews: “We must jointly take measures to protect them [crypto businesspeople] and their families.” He added that authorities would continue to pursue those responsible, stating “We will also find the perpetrators wherever they may be, perhaps even abroad.”
The upcoming meeting at the interior ministry is scheduled for Friday, according to officials.
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