Paris Family Thwarts Masked Gang in Kidnapping Attempt Tied to Cryptocurrency

A masked group attempted to seize the daughter and young grandson of a cryptocurrency executive in Paris, but fled without their targets following a fierce confrontation.

This event is indicative of a rising wave of violent incidents aimed at individuals involved with the crypto sector in France.

Assault on Crypto Executive’s Family

As reported, the incident took place around 8:20 a.m. in the 11th arrondissement and was recorded by a bystander. Local news disclosed that the woman and her partner were exiting their vehicle with their child when three men emerged from a white van in an effort to abduct them.

The couple displayed considerable resistance, leading to the husband sustaining multiple blows to the head while defending his family. In the meantime, the wife successfully seized a firearm from one of the attackers and discarded it into the street. Authorities later verified that the weapon was a replica air gun.

Despite the busy road and nearby children heading to school, initial bystanders were reluctant to step in. However, as more people started to respond, the attackers retreated and fled to the van, where a fourth individual waited.

As the assailants drove off, one witness hurled a fire extinguisher at their vehicle. The family was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Police sources indicated that the woman is linked to a significant figure in the cryptocurrency business. Reports suggest the victims are associated with the co-founder of the French Bitcoin exchange. The unit responsible for armed robberies in Paris is currently looking into the matter.

Recent Surge in Crypto-Related Abductions

This incident follows a similar event that occurred just over a week ago, where the father of a cryptocurrency millionaire was kidnapped in another section of Paris while out walking his dog. In that case, the victim was held for ransom and was released after three days with one of his fingers amputated. Several arrests have been made related to that incident.

Additionally, an earlier incident in January involved David Balland, a co-founder of a cryptocurrency wallet company, who and his wife were taken from their home in central France, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of 10 million euros for their freedom.

Although the couple was ultimately rescued, Balland was also found to be missing a finger. Around the same time, there were rumors regarding another alleged abduction involving Ledger’s other co-founder, but those claims were later refuted by French news outlets.

While authorities have not confirmed any connections between the events, all victims had associations with the cryptocurrency industry.