- Authorities in Morocco have arrested a man accused of leading a violent kidnapping ring that targeted French cryptocurrency millionaires
- Victims, including Ledger co-founder David Balland, have suffered brutal assaults in ransom schemes demanding millions in crypto
- French prosecutors have charged 25 people, including minors, in connection with the attacks, which have highlighted growing real-world risks tied to digital assets
A 24-year-old man suspected of orchestrating a string of kidnappings against high-profile crypto figures in France has been arrested in Tangier, Morocco. Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, a dual French-Moroccan national, is believed to be the ringleader behind a network that used torture and mutilation to extort millions in cryptocurrency. His arrest follows months of cross-border cooperation between French and Moroccan authorities and will hopefully bring an end to the spate of violent acts in the country.
Wave of Attacks Gripped Paris
The wave of attacks began earlier this year, when David Balland, co-founder of crypto security firm Ledger, was abducted from his home along with his partner. During their ordeal, Balland’s finger was reportedly severed, and the kidnappers demanded a ransom of €10 million in cryptocurrency. Both victims were eventually rescued, but the case sent shockwaves through France’s tight-knit crypto community.
Only weeks later, the father of a crypto investor was kidnapped in Paris. The attackers filmed themselves cutting off his finger and sent the footage to his son along with a ransom demand of up to €7 million. Again, a rapid police intervention saved the man’s life and led to several arrests.
The events led a police official to tell local media, “This isn’t just cybercrime anymore; we’re dealing with organized, physical violence.”
Attempted Kidnap Filmed
Perhaps the most audacious attempt came when the daughter and grandson of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat were targeted in a daylight abduction on a Paris street. Quick thinking from family members and a passerby thwarted the kidnapping, leading to the arrest of two dozen suspects involved in the plot. This attempt was captured by an observer on their cell phone and posted on social media, and served as a stark warning for crypto luminaries to increase their security.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin thanked Moroccan authorities for their help, calling the arrest “a critical blow against a dangerous and increasingly international criminal threat.” France will now seek extradition for Bajjou so he can face multiple charges relating to his actions.
