In a bid to curtail a disturbing rise in crypto-related kidnappings, French authorities are ramping up security measures for cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families. This initiative, revealed by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, comes amidst a spate of high-profile abduction attempts that have rattled the nation’s burgeoning crypto sector.
Heightened Security Measures
As part of the new safety blueprint, crypto entrepreneurs in France will benefit from priority access to police emergency lines, comprehensive home security evaluations, and tailored safety briefings. These steps aim to bolster defenses against what Retailleau terms “repeated kidnappings” in the crypto industry. The minister emphasized the need for “specific tools, both immediate and short-term, to prevent, dissuade, and hinder” future attacks. This strategic enhancement also includes training law enforcement officers in anti-crypto asset laundering techniques, underscoring the complexity of these crimes. As explored in our recent coverage of Bitcoin as a matter of national security, the intersection of cryptocurrency and security is becoming increasingly significant on a global scale.
The urgency of these measures was underscored by a harrowing incident on May 13, where would-be abductors targeted the family of Pierre Noizat, CEO of French crypto platform Paymium, in broad daylight. The assailants attempted to force Noizat’s daughter and grandson into a van. In a dramatic twist, Noizat’s daughter managed to disarm one of the attackers, thwarting the kidnapping. Just weeks earlier, on May 3, Paris police successfully rescued the father of a crypto entrepreneur from a multi-million euro kidnapping plot.
Recent Kidnapping Wave
This troubling trend isn’t isolated. In January, David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, a prominent crypto hardware wallet provider, was abducted from his home in central France. Balland’s ordeal lasted until a police intervention secured his release the following day. Retailleau, who recently convened with industry leaders to discuss these dangers, suggests these incidents may be interconnected.
Data compiled by Bitcoin cypherpunk Jameson Lopp supports these concerns, highlighting over 150 crypto-related robberies or kidnappings worldwide since 2014, with a staggering 23 occurring in 2025 alone. Lopp points to social media as a common hunting ground for criminals, who often identify targets flaunting their wealth or attending public crypto events. His advice is clear: “Avoid peer-to-peer trades with strangers and resist the urge to showcase your crypto holdings online.”
The Broader Implications
This wave of criminal activity casts a shadow over France’s crypto landscape, raising questions about the security of digital asset holders in a rapidly evolving market. The measures introduced by Retailleau are a step toward safeguarding the future of France’s crypto community, but they also highlight the vulnerabilities inherent in the industry’s meteoric rise. For a deeper dive into the regulatory implications, see our coverage of the SEC’s latest guidance on staking.
As the French government takes decisive action, the efficacy of these measures remains to be seen. Will they deter future attacks, or will criminals adapt, finding new ways to exploit the ecosystem? The crypto world watches closely, wondering if this security overhaul will become a template for other nations grappling with similar threats.
For now, as the industry continues to grapple with these challenges, the focus remains on vigilance, community education, and fostering a safer environment for everyone involved in the digital currency revolution.
Source
This article is based on: French crypto entrepreneurs to receive extra security amid recent kidnappings: Report
Further Reading
Deepen your understanding with these related articles:
- U.S. Congress Braces for Intense Debate Over Crypto Legislation This Summer (openai)
- The SEC Can Learn From the IRS in Making Regulation Simpler for Crypto
- Arizona Governor Calls Crypto an ‘Untested Investment,’ Vetoes Bitcoin Reserve Bill
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
