### France Charges 25 in Crypto-Related Kidnapping Spree

French authorities have charged 25 people, including six minors, in connection with a series of kidnappings and attempted abductions targeting the country's cryptocurrency sector. The charges, announced by the Paris public prosecutor's office, involve individuals aged between 16 and 23. Notably, the masterminds behind the crimes remain at large.

According to a report from Le Monde, eighteen of those charged are now in pre-trial detention. Three suspects have requested a deferred hearing, while four others are under judicial supervision. The high-profile investigation centers on a failed kidnapping attempt on May 13 in Paris' 11th arrondissement. The targets in this case were the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of the French crypto exchange Paymium.

On May 13, assailants clad in black masks attacked Noizat’s daughter, her husband, and their young child. Fortunately, the victims only sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment. Footage of the incident, which quickly went viral on social media, showed four masked individuals carrying out the assault.

The suspects come from diverse backgrounds, including residents from the Paris region, Châtellerault, Senegal, Angola, and Russia. Defense lawyers describe many of them as young individuals attracted by the promise of financial gain but ultimately caught in situations beyond their control.

This recent case is part of a broader trend of crypto-related kidnappings in France throughout the year. In January, Ledger co-founder David Balland and his partner were abducted, and on May 1, the father of a crypto millionaire was also kidnapped. Authorities believe these incidents may be connected to the current wave of attacks. Although police have managed to apprehend lower-level operatives and logistics coordinators, the main architects of the plots remain unidentified.

The growing threat has prompted national attention, leading France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau to meet with crypto industry professionals in mid-May. Discussions focused on enhancing protective measures, and the ministry later announced plans for increased cooperation between law enforcement and crypto firms. This includes conducting home security checks by police and gendarmerie officers.

The rise in crypto-related kidnappings has also spurred insurance companies to develop new protections. Insurers are now preparing specialized kidnap and ransom (K&R) policies tailored for digital asset investors. Meanwhile, private security firms have reported an uptick in requests from high-profile crypto industry figures seeking personal security services.