The father of a prominent cryptocurrency millionaire was rescued by French police following a daring rescue operation after being kidnapped in central Paris on Thursday. The unnamed victim, reportedly in his 50s, was seized in broad daylight by four men wearing balaclavas and forced into a delivery van. According to reports, police were led to the suspects' hideout in Palaiseau, south of Paris, through phone signals. Upon his rescue, the victim was unfortunately found with one finger missing.
The kidnappers allegedly demanded a substantial ransom of 5-7 million euros (£4.2-5.9 million), compelling his wealthy son to cooperate. This incident marks the third kidnapping associated with France’s cryptocurrency sector this year. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau commended the police efforts in a post on X, stating that they accomplished an "exceptional job" in securing the man’s release.
The kidnapping incident follows a similar case involving David Balland, co-founder of the cryptocurrency firm Ledger, who was abducted alongside his wife. They were rescued after a few days, but not without severe consequences; Balland also had a finger severed by his abductors who had a ransom of 10 million euros (£8.5 million). Additionally, another kidnapping incident in January saw a 56-year-old man held captive and found in the trunk of a car, with extortion attempts directed at his son, a cryptocurrency influencer in Dubai.
As the cryptocurrency industry continues to grow, concerns over the safety of individuals involved are becoming increasingly prominent.
The kidnappers allegedly demanded a substantial ransom of 5-7 million euros (£4.2-5.9 million), compelling his wealthy son to cooperate. This incident marks the third kidnapping associated with France’s cryptocurrency sector this year. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau commended the police efforts in a post on X, stating that they accomplished an "exceptional job" in securing the man’s release.
The kidnapping incident follows a similar case involving David Balland, co-founder of the cryptocurrency firm Ledger, who was abducted alongside his wife. They were rescued after a few days, but not without severe consequences; Balland also had a finger severed by his abductors who had a ransom of 10 million euros (£8.5 million). Additionally, another kidnapping incident in January saw a 56-year-old man held captive and found in the trunk of a car, with extortion attempts directed at his son, a cryptocurrency influencer in Dubai.
As the cryptocurrency industry continues to grow, concerns over the safety of individuals involved are becoming increasingly prominent.
