The Rising Threat of Crypto Kidnappings: What You Need to Know

Crypto kidnappings have become a serious safety concern for people in the cryptocurrency industry. Recent attacks, especially in France, show how criminals are targeting crypto executives and their families for ransom money.

This growing problem has forced companies and governments to take action to protect people who work with digital currencies.

What Are Crypto Kidnappings and Why Are They Happening?

Crypto kidnappings happen when criminals take someone hostage and demand payment in cryptocurrency. These attacks target people who own or work with digital currencies because criminals think these victims have easy access to large amounts of money that’s hard to track.

The main reasons these crimes are increasing include:

• The growing value of cryptocurrencies creating a new group of wealthy individuals
• The wrong idea that crypto transactions can’t be traced by authorities
• The public nature of some crypto executives’ wealth
• The belief that crypto owners can quickly transfer large sums of money

Aside from the threats, these kidnappings often involve extreme violence. In several cases in France, kidnappers cut off victims’ fingers to pressure families into paying ransoms.

Recent Crypto Kidnapping Cases in France

France has seen several shocking crypto-related kidnappings since 2023. Here are some of the most notable cases:

• In January 2025, David Balland, co-founder of Ledger (a hardware wallet company worth over $1 billion), was kidnapped along with his wife. The criminals cut off one of his fingers. French police eventually rescued them, but not before part of the $11.2 million cryptocurrency ransom was paid.
• In early May 2025, the father of a cryptocurrency entrepreneur was taken in Paris. He was held for ransom for several days before police freed him. The victim was missing a finger when rescued. Police arrested seven suspects in connection with this crime.
• On May 13, 2025, four masked men tried to kidnap the pregnant daughter of Pierre Noizat, who runs Paymium (a French crypto exchange). The attackers jumped out of a fake delivery van in Paris and tried to force the woman, her partner, and their child into the vehicle. Thanks to the woman’s quick thinking and help from people passing by (one armed with a fire extinguisher), the family escaped with minor injuries.

En plein Paris, un homme a été violenté par des individus cagoulés, habillés tout en noir. Ils tentaient de l’enlever. Un homme a surgi, extincteur à la main, pour les faire fuir. →https://t.co/P0qV6PR40v pic.twitter.com/9f4r2Gi7ho

— Le Figaro (@Le_Figaro) May 13, 2025

These violent attacks point to a disturbing pattern targeting crypto industry figures and their families.

How Authorities and Companies Are Responding

The wave of attacks has pushed both government officials and crypto companies to take action.
Government officials in France have stepped up their response.

France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced a meeting with cryptocurrency entrepreneurs to discuss security concerns. French law enforcement has promised enhanced security measures for crypto businesspeople and their families, including expedited access to emergency lines for those at risk.

Authorities have also increased police presence in areas popular among crypto professionals.

The industry itself is also making changes to improve safety. Private security firms like Infinite Risks International report increased demand for bodyguard services from crypto executives, with many signing up for long-term security protection.

Paymium and other companies have called for reviews of regulations that require collecting large amounts of personal information, which they believe increases risks. Industry leaders are also warning against wearing crypto-branded clothing or advertising wealth in any way.

How to Stay Safe in the Crypto World

If you work in the cryptocurrency industry or own significant digital assets, consider these safety measures:

• Keep your crypto holdings private—don’t share details online or in public
• Avoid wearing crypto-branded items that might identify you as someone with digital assets
• Consider hiring security if you’re a high-profile figure in the industry
• Be careful about the personal information you share online
• Use strong security practices for your digital wallets and accounts
• Consider working with law enforcement if you receive threats