The incident underlines the growing trend of violent abductions targeting crypto figures in France.
Cryptocurrency CEO's Family Escapes Kidnap Attempt in Paris
Cryptocurrency CEO's Family Escapes Kidnap Attempt in Paris
A brutal kidnapping attempt on a cryptocurrency executive's family was thwarted in Paris, with bystanders intervening.
In a shocking turn of events, the daughter and young grandson of a prominent cryptocurrency company executive narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt in the Paris neighborhood of the 11th district. The harrowing scene unfolded early Tuesday morning when three masked men, emerging from a white van, sought to forcibly abduct the pair.
Video footage captured by a bystander showcased the violent struggle as the woman and her husband vehemently fought off their assailants. The couple's desperate cries for help eventually prompted passers-by to step in, causing the attackers to flee. The family was later treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital.
Authorities indicate that the woman is related to the co-founder of Paymium, a notable French Bitcoin exchange. As the attack occurred around 08:20 am, the street was filled with locals, including children heading to school. This alarmed atmosphere only added to the urgency of the situation, with one attacker reportedly beating the woman's husband on the head.
In a moment of bravery, the woman managed to snatch a firearm from one of the attackers and threw it away—though it was later identified as a replica air gun. As the attackers made their escape, one man was seen hurling a fire extinguisher at the fleeing vehicle.
This incident marks another alarming trend in France, where several high-profile abduction attempts targeting cryptocurrency figures and their families have occurred. Just a week prior, French police intervened to rescue the father of a cryptocurrency millionaire who had been kidnapped during a dog walk; tragically, the victim was returned with a severed finger.
This latest bout of violence highlights the increasingly perilous climate surrounding the cryptocurrency sector in France, where prior incidents, such as the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland, have raised significant concerns about safety among industry leaders and their families.
