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3w ago

Over 20 Arrested in Raid on France’s Cryptocurrency Kidnapping Network

Investigators have identified a Franco-Moroccan figure hiding in Morocco as the alleged mastermind behind the abductions.

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Une nouvelle tentative d’enlèvement liée aux cryptos a été déjouée à Nantes (Illustration).
Les suspects arrêtés sont soupçonnés d'avoir participé à deux enlèvements dans le milieu de la cryptomonnaie.
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Overview

  • Law enforcement operations by the BRB and BRI have led to the arrest of more than 20 suspects linked to violent kidnappings of cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their relatives.
  • The spree began on January 21 with the abduction of Ledger co-founder David Balland and has since included the father of a crypto entrepreneur and a CEO’s daughter.
  • Investigators say the group used young, violent recruits who employed torture tactics including finger severing while demanding multi-million-euro ransoms.
  • Authorities suspect a 40-year-old Franco-Moroccan ringleader is coordinating the operations from Morocco as part of a unified criminal network.
  • Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has convened industry leaders to secure priority emergency services and provide home security consultations for crypto professionals.