French authorities have opened an investigation into a shocking kidnapping attempt targeting the daughter of a prominent cryptocurrency businessman in Paris. The attack, which occurred Tuesday morning on a busy street, involved a masked gang attempting to abduct the woman. The violent confrontation was filmed by an onlooker and has sparked concerns over rising crime in France, particularly in light of increasing violence directed at wealthy individuals within the crypto sector.
The Incident
The brazen attack unfolded when three masked men wrestled with two individuals on the ground as a getaway van waited nearby. Despite an extended struggle, the kidnappers were unsuccessful and fled the scene. A local shop owner intervened, using a fire extinguisher to disrupt the attackers and help thwart the kidnapping, earning widespread praise for his bravery.
The target of the attack was identified by local media as the 34-year-old daughter of the CEO of a cryptocurrency platform, though Reuters could not independently confirm the identities of the victims. The Paris prosecutors’ office has opened a formal investigation into the attempted kidnapping, which will be handled by the organised crime unit of the Paris police. They also expressed disapproval over the video footage circulating on social media, which they said added to the victims’ distress.
Pattern of Attacks Against Crypto Figures
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of violence targeting wealthy figures in the crypto industry. Earlier this month, the father of a French crypto entrepreneur was kidnapped for ransom and later rescued by police, though he was left with a missing finger. In January, another crypto executive and his wife were kidnapped by ransom gangs, and the man also lost a finger before being freed.
Government Response
The growing threat to crypto entrepreneurs and their families has prompted French authorities to take action. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced that he would meet with French crypto business leaders to discuss security risks and measures to protect them. This follows heightened concerns about organised crime, which has been exacerbated by rising drug trafficking and attacks orchestrated by criminal masterminds from within France’s prison system.
As part of broader efforts to address organised crime, President Emmanuel Macron is visiting prisons in northern France this week, signaling his commitment to combating the rising tide of criminal activity. These developments come amid increasing support for far-right movements in the country, driven in part by fustrations over crime and security concerns.
The attempted kidnapping highlights the vulnerabilities faced by the crypto industry and its players, drawing attention to the need for greater security measures in an environment where the stakes for both criminals and their targets are high.
