The incident underscores a troubling trend of targeted abductions within the cryptocurrency community in France, stressing the need for enhanced security measures.
Kidnap Attempt on Cryptocurrency Family Highlights Rising Threats in Paris

Kidnap Attempt on Cryptocurrency Family Highlights Rising Threats in Paris
A violent kidnapping attempt on a cryptocurrency executive's family raises alarms over safety in the tech sector.
In a shocking attempt at abduction, the daughter and grandson of a prominent cryptocurrency leader narrowly escaped a kidnapping in a busy Paris street. The event unfolded in the bustling 11th district of the city, where three masked men emerged from a white van, attempting to snatch the victims. A passerby recorded the incident, which showcased the violent struggle that ensued as the daughter and her husband valiantly fought off their attackers.
French police have confirmed that this family is connected to the co-founder of Paymium, a noted French Bitcoin exchange. The chaotic scene escalated around 08:20 local time, as the couple faced aggressive attempts to separate them. As the husband defended his family, he sustained multiple blows to the head, while the daughter managed to wrestle away a firearm from one of the assailants, later identified as a replica air gun.
With children nearby making their way to school, many bystanders initially hesitated, perhaps fearful of intervening. However, the tide turned as more locals rallied to assist the family, prompting the attackers to abandon their plan. They hastily retreated to their getaway van with a fourth accomplice waiting to drive them away, despite one courageous local hurling a fire extinguisher at the fleeing vehicle.
The family received treatment for minor injuries, showcasing the physical toll of this harrowing encounter. This incident comes just days after another instance involving a cryptocurrency millionaire’s father, who was kidnapped and severely injured by his captors. Historical context indicates a disturbing trend in recent months, with other high-profile figures in the cryptocurrency realm facing similar harrowing experiences, including previous abductions and ransom scenarios.
Calls for enhanced security protocols are on the rise as authorities aim to tackle the increasing criminality targeting the tech-driven financial sector in France.
French police have confirmed that this family is connected to the co-founder of Paymium, a noted French Bitcoin exchange. The chaotic scene escalated around 08:20 local time, as the couple faced aggressive attempts to separate them. As the husband defended his family, he sustained multiple blows to the head, while the daughter managed to wrestle away a firearm from one of the assailants, later identified as a replica air gun.
With children nearby making their way to school, many bystanders initially hesitated, perhaps fearful of intervening. However, the tide turned as more locals rallied to assist the family, prompting the attackers to abandon their plan. They hastily retreated to their getaway van with a fourth accomplice waiting to drive them away, despite one courageous local hurling a fire extinguisher at the fleeing vehicle.
The family received treatment for minor injuries, showcasing the physical toll of this harrowing encounter. This incident comes just days after another instance involving a cryptocurrency millionaire’s father, who was kidnapped and severely injured by his captors. Historical context indicates a disturbing trend in recent months, with other high-profile figures in the cryptocurrency realm facing similar harrowing experiences, including previous abductions and ransom scenarios.
Calls for enhanced security protocols are on the rise as authorities aim to tackle the increasing criminality targeting the tech-driven financial sector in France.