France Crypto Kidnappings Highlight New Risks for Wealthy Crypto Holders
France is witnessing a disturbing trend: crypto enthusiasts are becoming targets of physical violence. Recent incidents involve kidnappings, threats, and attempts to steal access to crypto wallets. These aren’t just cybercrimes; they’re real-life attacks that endanger both individuals and their families.
One notable case is the kidnapping of David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, a leading crypto wallet company. on January 21, Balland and his wife were abducted from their home. The attackers, an armed group, separated the couple and took Balland to an unknown location. They demanded a €10 million ransom in crypto.
balland was subjected to physical abuse, including having a finger severed. This act was used as proof of his captivity. The attackers sent a video of the severed finger to Balland’s business partner, Eric Larchevêque. Larchevêque promptly alerted the authorities.
Within 48 hours, french police located Balland in Châteauroux. He was rescued and taken to a hospital. His wife was found the next day, tied in a car trunk in Essonne.Nine suspects were arrested, including the alleged organizer with a history of kidnapping.
Another incident occurred in May 2025 in Paris. A man in his fifties,the father of a crypto millionaire,was kidnapped while walking his dog. The attackers demanded between €5 million and €7 million in crypto. The victim was held for two days before being released.
These cases highlight the growing dangers for crypto holders. They underscore the need for enhanced personal security measures in the crypto space.
France Battles rising Crypto-Related Kidnappings
France is grappling with a surge in crypto-related kidnappings. In just five months of 2025, the country has seen multiple high-profile cases, earning it the title of a “hotspot” for such crimes.
On May 3, a daring rescue operation saved a hostage tied to the crypto world. The victim, linked to digital assets, was found injured but alive. Five suspects were arrested, including one shortly after the raid. The ransom was not paid, thanks to a swift police response.
This was the second confirmed kidnapping in France in 2025 involving crypto wealth. The Interior Ministry is now discussing measures to protect individuals with large crypto holdings.
On May 13, an attempted abduction targeted Pierre Noizat’s family in Paris.Noizat is the CEO of Paymium,a Bitcoin exchange. The incident occurred as his daughter, her husband, and their child walked on Rue Pache. Masked attackers tried to seize the woman and child, but the husband fought back. Bystanders intervened, and the attackers fled.
France’s crypto industry presence, including companies like Ledger and Paymium, may explain the rise in these crimes. In 2024, six out of 22 global crypto-related abductions occurred in France.
Experts advise crypto enthusiasts to avoid public exposure of personal and financial details. The crypto community is increasingly concerned about the risks of such public visibility.
Crypto Founders in France Face Growing security Threats
France’s crypto industry is booming, but so are the risks for its leaders. Many founders live and work locally, making them easy targets. their public visibility increases their vulnerability.
A 2020 data breach at ledger exposed the personal details of thousands of wallet buyers. This led to threats and extortion attempts, especially for French users. Tho not directly linked to recent kidnappings, it shows how quickly personal data can become a liability in crypto.
Law enforcement believes some attackers are adapting methods from other crimes. they are small, coordinated groups, frequently enough familiar with their targets.They use crypto’s perceived anonymity as an advantage, assuming funds can be moved quickly and without detection.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau addressed this issue in May. He met with industry leaders to discuss security measures for founders and their families. The rise in cases also raises concerns about copycat behavior. Each accomplished incident spreads the idea that crypto holders are wealthy and reachable.
France may be the first country where these elements have come together, but it won’t be the last. For crypto to scale safely, personal security must evolve alongside financial infrastructure.
