France Charges 25 Suspects in Crypto Kidnapping Scandal

Paris prosecutors have charged 25 individuals, including six minors, in connection with a series of attempted kidnappings targeting prominent figures in the cryptocurrency sector. The investigation centers on a May 13 incident where masked assailants attempted to abduct the daughter of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat—a brazen attack captured on video and widely circulated online.

Authorities describe the suspects as young perpetrators drawn by financial motives but ultimately overwhelmed by the consequences of their actions. Eighteen of the accused remain in provisional detention as the case unfolds.

The operation signals heightened scrutiny of crypto-related crime in France, where digital asset adoption continues growing despite regulatory challenges. No specific cryptocurrencies or exchanges were directly implicated in the charges.