In response to a concerning increase in kidnapping incidents targeting crypto entrepreneurs and their families, French authorities are stepping up security measures. Following several high-profile cases, including the recent attempted abduction of a prominent executive’s family members, the French government is implementing a series of protective strategies to ensure the safety of individuals in the cryptocurrency sector.
According to recent reports, the security initiatives are set to include priority access to police emergency hotlines, comprehensive home security assessments, and safety briefings conducted by law enforcement. This proactive approach is spearheaded by France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, who emphasized the need for immediate and long-term solutions to combat the rise in violent crimes associated with the booming crypto industry.
Minister Retailleau stated, “These repeated kidnappings of professionals in the crypto sector will be fought with specific tools aimed at preventing, dissuading, and hindering such incidents to protect the industry effectively.” Law enforcement officials are also receiving anti-crypto asset laundering training to better equip them for the unique challenges posed by financial crimes in this evolving sector.
The rise in kidnappings this year is alarming, with three incidents reported already. The most recent case occurred on May 13, when assailants attempted to abduct the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of a leading cryptocurrency platform. Fortunately, the family was able to resist the attack successfully, showcasing both the dangers faced by crypto figures and the necessity of enhanced security precautions.
Prior to this incident, on May 3, police freed the father of another crypto entrepreneur, who had been held for ransom in a scheme worth €7 million (approximately $7.8 million). Additionally, in January, David Balland, one of the co-founders of a prominent crypto hardware wallet company, was kidnapped from his residence but was later rescued during a police operation. Retailleau indicated that these events might be interconnected, highlighting a troubling trend that industry leaders and law enforcement must confront.
Statistics indicate that there have been over 150 crypto-related robbery or kidnapping incidents since 2014, with an alarming 23 occurring just in 2025. Jameson Lopp, a Bitcoin cypherpunk who maintains a comprehensive database on these crimes, advises those within the crypto community to be cautious. He underscores the importance of avoiding unnecessary publicity through social media, particularly when it comes to flaunting wealth or engaging in high-stakes peer-to-peer transactions with unfamiliar parties.
In conclusion, as France reinforces its protective measures for crypto entrepreneurs, it highlights the urgent need for the industry to adopt best practices in security and safety. The collaboration between law enforcement and industry leaders is critical in creating a secure environment for innovation and growth in the cryptocurrency market.
