Crypto Bigwig’s Family Kidnapped in Paris—Because Even Digital Wealth Needs Old-School Security

In a brazen attack that proves no amount of decentralized finance can outrun human greed, armed kidnappers targeted the family of a prominent cryptocurrency executive in Paris last night.

The incident—straight out of a cyberpunk thriller—highlights the dark side of crypto prominence: when your net worth is public but your protection isn’t.

While the victim’s identity remains confidential, sources confirm the family was seized near their 16th arrondissement residence—because nothing says ’crypto aristocracy’ like a seven-figure arrondissement.

Paris police are investigating, though good luck tracing ransom payments when the perpetrators inevitably demand Monero.

Crypto Crime Is Expanding Outside the Digital World

According to local reports, the situation escalated quickly when the child’s father intervened. After a struggle, he managed to disrupt the attempted abduction, forcing the assailants to flee the scene.

The attackers escaped in a van, which was later found abandoned a few blocks away. No injuries were reported. 

Since then, authorities have launched a manhunt, and anti-gang units are actively involved in the investigation.

Meanwhile in Paris, France

Attempted kidnapping of Woman with her 2yo child morning on the streets of Paris – the target is allegedly the daughter of a crypto CEO.

Europe is wild. pic.twitter.com/xbOrQyuafN

The identity of the targeted crypto entrepreneur has not been made public. Officials only confirmed that he is the head of a crypto platform and has significant holdings in digital assets. 

Given recent patterns, authorities are treating the case as a financially motivated targeting of high-net-worth individuals involved in cryptocurrency.

Part of a Growing Trend Targeting Crypto Figures

This incident marks the third kidnapping attempt against individuals connected to the crypto sector in France since January 2025.

David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, and his partner were kidnapped and tortured for a €10 million ransom. Police rescued them, and seven suspects were arrested.

Earlier this monththe father of another French crypto entrepreneur was abducted and held for a ransom estimated between €5 million and €7 million. He was freed during a police operation that resulted in five arrests.

French police now believe organized criminal groups are specifically targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs. They exploit the perceived lack of regulation and the high liquidity of digital assets to demand large ransoms.

The investigation into today’s attempted abduction remains ongoing. Law enforcement agencies have urged anyone with information to come forward.