France Hit By Yet Another Crypto-Linked Kidnapping As Ex-Trader Taken In Broad Daylight Near Paris

Former Crypto Trader Abducted In Paris Suburbs Amid Rising Wave Of Kidnappings

A 35-year-old former cryptocurrency trader was seized by kidnappers between 26 and 27 August while travelling to work, with the incident unfolding between Paris and Saint-Germain-en-Laye in the Yvelines region, according to local daily Le Parisien.

He left his home around 11 a.m., but never arrived at his workplace.

His wife alerted police after losing contact with him, leading to the discovery that he had been taken hostage.

Ransom Demand And Release

The kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of €10,000 — roughly $11,600.

The payment was never made, yet the trader was eventually released.

He returned home showing signs of physical assault, with his face visibly swollen after the ordeal.

France Faces Series Of Crypto-Linked Attacks

This is not the first time digital asset professionals and their families have been targeted in France.

In January, Ledger hardware wallet co-founder David Balland was abducted alongside his partner.

His captors severed one of his fingers in a bid to increase pressure for ransom.

Balland was freed within a day, while his partner was later found tied in the boot of a car near Paris.

Just months later in May, another attempt was carried out in broad daylight, this time against the daughter and grandson of Paymium exchange founder Pierre Noizat.

The family narrowly escaped the abduction attempt in the French capital.

Government Scrambles To Respond

The repeated attacks have sparked alarm among France’s crypto community and raised questions over the safety of entrepreneurs linked to digital assets.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau convened an emergency meeting with industry leaders in May to discuss heightened protection measures, acknowledging growing concerns over organised crime targeting the sector.

Political Tensions Add To National Uncertainty

The latest kidnapping comes as Prime Minister François Bayrou faces mounting political pressure.

With France’s budget deficit recorded at 5.8% of GDP last year, his government is pushing to reduce the figure to 4.6% by 2026.

A confidence vote is scheduled for 8 September, though Bayrou’s minority administration risks collapse as both left and far-right parties prepare to oppose him.