25 Suspects Face French Judge Over Crypto Kidnapping Attempts

Twenty-five suspects appeared before a Paris court in connection with a series of attempted kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families, including an attack on Pierre Noizat's family, CEO and co-founder of the cryptocurrency platform Paymium. The mid-May abduction attempt in Paris, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media, involved masked assailants attacking Noizat's pregnant daughter and young grandson in broad daylight. Authorities also foiled a related kidnapping plot in Nantes, with investigators exploring whether a single criminal network is responsible for multiple incidents. These violent acts have raised significant concerns about the security of wealthy crypto figures in France, prompting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau to hold an emergency meeting with industry leaders to implement protective measures. The cases have sparked public alarm over the 'Mexicanisation' of crime in France, referencing the brazenness and violence of the attacks. Previous similar incidents include the kidnapping and mutilation of other crypto entrepreneurs or their relatives, underscoring the growing threat to the sector.