Cryptocurrency Executive’s Family Targeted in Paris Kidnap Attempt

During a brazen attempted kidnapping in Paris, the daughter of a cryptocurrency executive and her young child were targeted by a masked gang. The couple fought off the attackers with the assistance of passers-by, leading to the gang's retreat. The incident is part of a concerning trend of attacks against cryptocurrency individuals and their families in France.

In an alarming incident in Paris's 11th district, the daughter and young grandson of a cryptocurrency executive faced a kidnapping attempt, which was seen unfolding in broad daylight. Three men, wearing hooded tops and masks, approached the pair, attempting to abduct them while they were out on the street. The scene was captured by an onlooker, demonstrating the audacity of the attackers.

Local police sources confirmed the woman involved is the daughter of the co-founder of the French Bitcoin exchange, Paymium. The young family fought back fiercely against their assailants; both the mother and her husband engaged in a physical struggle to prevent the kidnapping. During the confrontation, the husband was reportedly struck multiple times in the head, while the mother managed to grab a firearm from one of the attackers, only to later reveal that it was a replica air gun.

The situation escalated as the couple's pleas for help caught the attention of nearby pedestrians, who gradually began to intervene. Despite initial hesitance, the presence of locals prompted the attackers to abandon their plans, retreating hastily to a waiting white van that had been parked nearby. One aggressive bystander even threw a fire extinguisher at the fleeing vehicle, highlighting public outrage.

Fortunately, the family suffered only minor injuries and received medical attention, while police confirmed that investigations into the violent incident would be carried out by a specialized armed robbery unit. This kidnapping attempt is not an isolated case, as the last few months have witnessed multiple abductions targeting notable figures in the cryptocurrency landscape in France.

Just a week prior, police successfully rescued the father of a cryptocurrency millionaire who had been kidnapped while walking his dog, suffering brutal treatment from his captors, including the loss of a finger during captivity. In another related case from earlier this year, David Balland, co-founder of the cryptocurrency wallet company Ledger, faced a similar fate, illustrating a concerning trend of violence against the crypto community in France.