Twenty-five suspects were set to appear before French investigating judges on Friday over a wave of attempted kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs, prosecutors confirmed. The group is linked to several foiled abduction plots, including a violent mid-May attack on the pregnant daughter of Pierre Noizat, CEO of French crypto exchange Paymium, and her young son in Paris.
According to a source close to the case, footage shows masked men ambushing the family, who sustained minor injuries. Noizat praised his “heroic” son-in-law and a passerby who fought off the attackers with a fire extinguisher.
Investigations into that incident led police to uncover another foiled kidnapping attempt this week in Nantes, prompting fresh arrests. Four suspects are accused of planning that operation, while others may be charged with criminal conspiracy linked to “unsuccessful projects.”
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has since met crypto leaders to discuss bolstering protection, as some warn of the “Mexicanisation” of France.
