French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced Wednesday that he will convene a meeting with cryptocurrency industry leaders to address a surge in kidnappings targeting executives and their families. The move follows a brazen attempted abduction in Paris the previous day, the latest in a string of violent incidents linked to crypto-related ransom demands.
"I will bring together cryptocurrency professionals—of which France has several—at the Interior Ministry to collaborate on security measures and ensure they understand the risks," Retailleau told Europe 1/CNews.
Recent Attacks Highlight Growing Threat
On Tuesday, armed assailants targeted the daughter and grandson of a French crypto entrepreneur in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. Masked attackers ambushed the victims in broad daylight, but all three escaped with minor injuries, according to police sources. The woman is the daughter of the CEO of Paymium, a domestic cryptocurrency exchange.
The incident follows two other high-profile kidnappings earlier this year. In January, Ledger co-founder David Balland and his partner were abducted, with Balland losing a finger to his captors. Authorities later arrested nine suspects, including the alleged mastermind.
In early May, attackers kidnapped a man to extort his son, a crypto millionaire. Police freed the victim after a raid, detaining seven suspects.
Retailleau vowed to pursue those responsible, even beyond French borders. "We will find the perpetrators wherever they are," he said.
The emergency meeting is scheduled for Friday.