France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, has scheduled a meeting with cryptocurrency professionals this Friday, following a kidnapping attempt targeting the family of a leading crypto exchange executive. This decision comes amid increasing concerns about the safety of individuals tied to digital currency operations in France.
The meeting aims to discuss measures to counter security threats after several high-profile criminal acts involving ransom demands in cryptocurrency. The latest incident involved armed attackers targeting the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO and co-founder of Paymium, raising national alarm over the risks connected to the industry.
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Why an Urgent Security Meeting?
Retailleau said he would bring together professionals working in cryptocurrency in France “at the interior ministry to work with them on their security, so that they become aware of the risks”.
The comment followed an incident earlier this week in which Noizat’s daughter, her partner, and her child were attacked in Paris. All three sustained minor injuries and received hospital care after the assailants attempted to kidnap them.
French authorities confirmed that at least nine suspects have been detained, including the individual believed to have orchestrated the kidnapping. According to official statements, investigators are continuing efforts to locate any other involved individuals, possibly operating from outside the country. Retailleau stressed:
“We must jointly take measures to protect them”, adding that the authorities “will also find the perpetrators wherever they may be, perhaps even abroad”.
David Ballard Kidnapping
In January, another attack targeted Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife. The couple was kidnapped in Vierzon. Balland’s kidnappers severed one of his fingers in an attempt to coerce him into providing access to his cryptocurrency holdings.
Balland’s kidnapping ended after a high-risk intervention by the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group, which safely rescued him. His wife was recovered the following day. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed Balland received emergency medical attention due to the severity of the assault.
The Broader Threat Beyond France
France has witnessed at least seven cryptocurrency-linked violent crimes so far in 2025, according to law enforcement records. These events include attempted kidnappings, torture, and ransom demands involving crypto payments.
While recent cases in France have gained attention, similar incidents are being reported worldwide, not always cryptocurrency related. In the United States, Angel Martinez was arrested at a rest stop in Madison, Connecticut, for kidnapping a woman at gunpoint from Rhode Island.
Another case in Michigan involved Doriesha Watts and her children being abducted by her husband, Jordan Watts, with assistance from DeShawn Gladney. In the United Kingdom, a 20-year-old woman was nearly kidnapped in Hove near Brighton by Cameron Boxall. She managed to resist and escape. Boxall was later sentenced to five years in prison.
Final Words
While France is taking domestic action, the trend of crypto-related kidnappings is becoming a cross-border danger. The international nature of digital currencies allows criminals to act across jurisdictions, complicating investigations and enforcement. Cooperation with other nations could become an essential part of the strategy to counter these threats.
France’s move to shield its crypto sector may not be the last. Other governments will be watching closely, especially now that high-profile crypto figures are being targeted by criminals more often than ever.
Read also: Coinbase Refuses Ransom After Insider Breach Hits <1% of Users
