Overview
The CEO of the French crypto exchange Paymium faced a distressing incident as his daughter and grandson were subjects of a failed kidnapping attempt in Paris, as reported by France 24.
Incident Details
- On the day of the attack, three masked men attempted to abduct the victims but were thwarted by the quick actions of a local shopkeeper who intervened with a fire extinguisher. The assailants fled in two vans.
- This incident is part of a worrying trend, as kidnapping related to cryptocurrencies appears to be on the rise in France.
Context and Reactions
- Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated he intends to hold discussions with French crypto entrepreneurs regarding protective measures following the escalation of these kidnappings.
- An investigation into the attempted abduction has been initiated by the Paris prosecutor’s office.
Related Incidents
Recent successful kidnappings earlier this year included:
- The abduction of David Ballard, a co-founder of the crypto wallet company Ledger, who faced ransom demands after being kidnapped alongside his wife.
Quote: “These units within the law enforcement agencies have actually been very successful holding some of those people to account in those kidnapping cases.” - Jonathan Levin, CEO of Chainalysis.
