French police successfully rescue a kidnapped individual during a tense operation.
In a disturbing incident, a 60-year-old man was kidnapped in Paris, linked to the rising crime wave targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs. After two days of captivity and a ransom demand, French police successfully rescued him and arrested five suspects. This alarming trend of kidnappings, including high-profile cases, highlights the dangers associated with the cryptocurrency market and has prompted new investigations into organized crime.
In a shocking turn of events on a sunny Thursday morning, a 60-year-old man found himself the victim of a brazen kidnapping in Paris’s bustling 14th arrondissement. With his son being a well-known figure in the cryptocurrency world, the stakes were dreadfully high. As four masked men ambushed him around 10:30 AM, the victim was forcibly shoved into a delivery van, marking the beginning of a terrifying ordeal that would last for over two days.
For those following the trends surrounding cryptocurrency, the rise in violent crime targeting entrepreneurs linked to this high-stakes world is alarming. The attackers demanded a ransom, reportedly between €5 million and €7 million (£4 million to £6 million), which, fortunately, was never paid. Tragically, the victim’s finger was severed during his captivity, revealing the chilling reality of this crime wave. Throughout this saga, the victim’s wife provided crucial information, informing investigators that her husband and son had faced threats in the past.
As the days dragged on, French police intensified their efforts, mobilizing armed units for a rescue operation. Their hard work paid off late Saturday night when they stormed a house located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Paris, in the Essonne area. Reacting quickly, officers managed to rescue the man and arrested five suspects, aged between 23 and 27, during the raid.
This incident is unfortunately not an isolated case. It fits into a troubling trend of kidnappings targeting individuals involved in cryptocurrency. Just a few months back in January 2025, a disturbing case occurred involving David Balland, a co-founder of the crypto firm Ledger. His situation mirrored the recent one, as he was also kidnapped and had a finger cut off in the process. A ransom of around €10 million in cryptocurrency was demanded from his business partner, although the partner was later found unharmed, indicating the extreme volatility and danger associated with these situations.
Instances of similar kidnappings have occurred elsewhere too, including a case in December 2024, where the father of a prominent French cryptocurrency influencer was abducted and later discovered tied up in the trunk of a car 24 hours later. Sadly, the pattern stretches beyond France, with other reported kidnappings arising recently in Spain and Belgium, reflecting a coordinated crime surge targeting individuals within the lucrative cryptocurrency market.
In light of this recent incident, the Paris Prosecutor’s office is opening an investigation into the kidnapping, focusing on charges related to extortion by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. Given the violence associated with these crimes, police operations have required specialized units and significant resources to ensure the safe recovery of victims.
The ongoing crime wave targeting cryptocurrency figures has raised serious concerns among communities and cryptocurrency enthusiasts alike. As technology evolves and cryptocurrencies gain popularity, so too has the aggressive nature of these crimes. The hope is that with increased awareness and law enforcement efforts, we can prevent further incidents and protect the individuals behind these innovative ventures.
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