Rising Concerns in France’s Crypto Community Amidst Kidnapping Spree
PARIS, May 16, 2025 – The French crypto community is reeling with fear and anger following a disturbing wave of violent kidnappings targeting prominent figures in the industry. This unsettling trend has instigated heightened security measures among crypto executives and a growing call for regulatory changes to bolster their safety.
Heightened Security Awareness
The recent kidnapping attempts have precipitated a shift in how crypto executives approach their daily routines. Alexandre Aimonino, a 23-year-old co-founder of a compliance software company, shared his newfound caution with Reuters. Following a harrowing incident where the daughter of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of French crypto firm Paymium, was attacked on a Paris street, Aimonino now avoids public transport, steers clear of industry events, and alters his driving routes in an attempt to evade potential threats. “Working in the ecosystem feels like having a target on your back,” Aimonino remarked about the palpable anxiety that has engulfed the crypto landscape.
A Disturbing Trend of Violence
The situation escalated on Tuesday when a masked gang attempted to abduct Noizat’s daughter in broad daylight, marking at least the third kidnapping incident targeted at individuals within the crypto community in recent months. Notably, in January, the co-founder of Ledger, another French crypto firm, and his wife were kidnapped, and in May, a father of a crypto company head was taken as well. While all abductees were eventually rescued, both men suffered grievous injuries, including the loss of a finger in one case. A ransom paid in cryptocurrency for the Ledger co-founder’s release was swiftly recovered by police.
The kidnappings appear to reflect a growing trend as the crypto market continues to attract significant investment and wealth. With the prices of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin soaring, criminals are increasingly drawn to individuals displaying newfound wealth through social media.
Authorities Respond
In response to the rising threats, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau convened a meeting with affected crypto leaders, pledging to mobilize public resources to enhance safety measures. Retailleau assured leaders of "full mobilisation of public authorities" to facilitate quicker access to emergency police services and conduct security assessments of homes belonging to crypto executives.
The desire among the crypto community for increased protection is palpable; some executives are campaigning for legal reforms to enable self-defense rights, including the ability to carry firearms.
Calls for Deregulation
Noizat’s company, Paymium, has voiced concerns regarding European regulations, like the “travel rule” that mandates detailed data collection on crypto transactions. Industry leaders argue that such regulations expose them to additional risk and have called for deregulation to provide a more secure operating environment.
Increased Demand for Security Services
As fear permeates the crypto sector, security firms are witnessing a surge in demand for protective services. Companies specializing in personal security have reported a notable increase in inquiries following the recent attacks. Thomas Rossi, who heads a bodyguard firm in Paris, indicated that requests for protection have noticeably increased, while CEO Sofiane Aboubeker of the security company ARECIA confirmed that many of his clients are seeking added layers of safety.
Ben Davis, a UK-based insurance broker specializing in the crypto sector, highlighted that this uptick in violence isn’t restricted to France. He noted past instances of kidnappings in the United States and other parts of Europe and Asia, suggesting that a global awareness of these threats is starting to solidify among crypto industry stakeholders.
Conclusion
As the trend of kidnappings targeting individuals in the crypto space raises alarms, crypto executives are left navigating an increasingly hostile environment. Calls for reform and enhanced security highlight their urgent need for protection as they grapple with the realities of their rising prominence and wealth in an evolving financial landscape. The French crypto community stands at a crossroads, advocating for both safety measures and regulatory changes to navigate the complexities of their industry in a safer atmosphere.
This tumultuous situation continues to unfold, drawing attention from both law enforcement and the public as discussions around security, crime, and the future of cryptocurrency regulation gain momentum.
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