France Charges 25 in Crypto Kidnapping Cases Linked to Paymium CEO’s Family

French authorities have indicted 25 individuals, including six minors, for involvement in a series of cryptocurrency-related kidnappings across Paris. The investigation centers on the May 13 abduction attempt targeting the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of crypto exchange Paymium. Additional failed attempts—including one near Nantes—are under scrutiny.

The arrests follow a disturbing trend of high-profile crypto kidnappings in France this year. In May, the father of a local crypto millionaire was abducted, while Ledger co-founder David Ballard and his wife were similarly targeted earlier this year. Both cases involved gruesome ransom demands, with victims having fingers severed as proof of captivity.

Suspects in the May 13 case range from 16 to 23 years old. France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau convened crypto industry stakeholders last month to address security concerns amid escalating threats against digital asset holders.