French cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families are to be granted additional security measures in response to a recent surge in crypto-related abductions within the country, according to Politico. The report, published on May 16, states that these measures will include privileged access to police emergency lines, home security evaluations, and safety advice from French authorities to ensure adherence to best practices.
Bruno Retailleau, the Interior Minister of France, introduced these security tactics as part of a broader initiative to combat the increasing series of attacks. He asserted, “The crypto sector will shield itself from the reoccurring kidnappings of professionals using specific tools. These tools, both immediate and short-term, aim to prevent, deter and obstruct to safeguard the industry.”
Retailleau also revealed that law enforcement officers would participate in “anti-crypto asset laundering training”. Following three recent crypto-related kidnapping incidents, Retailleau convened with several local crypto industry leaders to discuss these measures.
The most recent attempt took place on May 13. Assailants targeted the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of Paymium, a French cryptocurrency platform. Fortunately, the intended victims successfully resisted the attack, which took place in broad daylight. The assailants tried to force them into a waiting van, but Noizat’s daughter disarmed one of the attackers and discarded the weapon, according to local police.
On May 3, the father of a crypto entrepreneur was rescued by Paris police after being held captive for several days in a €7 million ($7.8 million) kidnapping scheme. In January, David Balland, co-founder of crypto hardware wallet provider Ledger, was kidnapped from his home in central France and was held until a police operation enabled his release on the night of Jan. 22.
Retailleau suggested earlier this week that these incidents are likely linked. Since 2014, there have been over 150 crypto-related robbery or kidnapping incidents. In 2025 alone, 23 such incidents took place according to a GitHub database managed by Bitcoin cypherpunk Jameson Lopp. Lopp noted that these criminals often identify potential victims through social media, public discussions, meetups, and conferences. He strongly advises against peer-to-peer transactions, especially with unfamiliar parties, flaunting wealth on social media, and wearing crypto-themed attire.
