French Crypto Kidnapping Ring Busted
French-Moroccan Suspect Arrested in Morocco for Crypto Kidnappings
Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, a 24-year-old French-Moroccan national, was arrested in Morocco on June 3, 2025, for allegedly masterminding a series of violent crypto kidnappings targeting wealthy cryptocurrency entrepreneurs in France. This arrest marks a significant development in a case that has deeply concerned the French crypto community and exposed vulnerabilities within the industry.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced the arrest, praising Morocco's cooperation. He stated on X (formerly Twitter): "This arrest is a testament to the excellent collaboration between our magistrates in the fight against organized crime." The arrest is particularly significant given the brutal nature of the abductions, including the January 2025 attack on Ledger co-founder David Balland, who was abducted and disfigured.
Bajjou, a resident of Le Chesnay (west of Paris), is suspected of orchestrating multiple high-profile kidnappings, extorting substantial ransoms from the victims' families. These crimes have created a climate of fear amongst France's cryptocurrency elite.
Wave of Violent Crypto-Related Crimes
The series of crypto kidnappings began to gain media attention in January 2025, with the abduction of David Balland and his wife. The kidnappers severed Balland's finger and sent a video to Ledger as a ransom demand. A 48-hour manhunt resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects and the rescue of the couple.
Further incidents followed: an attempted kidnapping of the daughter and grandson of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat in Paris in May (thwarted by the family and a local shop owner); the kidnapping and mutilation of a crypto entrepreneur's father in the 14th arrondissement of Paris; and a foiled kidnapping plot near Nantes leading to the arrest of over 20 suspects.
French prosecutors have charged 25 individuals in connection with these crimes. Many suspects are young, French nationals, and individuals from countries including Senegal, Angola, and Russia. Authorities suggest many were drawn in by the promise of easy money, becoming entangled in complex criminal schemes.
Security Measures and Industry Response
In response to the escalating threat, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau met with key figures in the crypto industry in May. The government announced increased home security checks for crypto entrepreneurs and enhanced police emergency access to their properties.
The incidents have highlighted concerns about cryptocurrency's use in facilitating illegal activities due to relatively less regulatory oversight compared to traditional banking. This has prompted calls for stricter regulations, although some industry players fear new European crypto rules might exacerbate the problem.
The French crypto community remains vigilant. The arrests, including Bajjou's, offer a glimmer of hope in curbing the wave of violence. Codeum, a leading blockchain security and development platform, emphasizes the importance of robust security measures and regulatory compliance within the crypto space. Our services, including smart contract audits, KYC verification, and custom smart contract development, are crucial in mitigating risks and fostering a safer environment for crypto businesses. We are dedicated to assisting the crypto community in navigating the complexities of security and building a more secure and transparent blockchain ecosystem.