Suspect in French Crypto Kidnappings Arrested in Morocco

A significant breakthrough in the string of high-profile cryptocurrency-related kidnappings in France has been achieved with the arrest of a key suspect in Morocco. The 24-year-old French-Moroccan national, identified by French media as Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, was apprehended in a joint operation between Morocco’s National Judicial Police Brigade (BNPJ) and the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST). This action followed a formal request from French authorities.

Moroccan police, in a statement released via the government-run Maghreb Arab Press (MAP), described Bajjou as the mastermind behind the criminal enterprise. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed gratitude to Morocco for the arrest, highlighting the strong judicial cooperation between the two nations in combating organized crime. An Interpol “red notice” had previously been issued for Bajjou, citing charges of organized extortion, kidnapping, and violence.

The arrest represents a crucial development in an ongoing investigation that has already led to the charging of over two dozen individuals, including six minors, in connection with the series of kidnappings in Paris. These incidents gained significant notoriety, particularly due to their association with prominent figures in the French cryptocurrency industry.

A pivotal event in the unfolding investigation was the foiled kidnapping attempt on May 13th targeting the family of Pierre Noizat, CEO of the cryptocurrency exchange Paymium. This incident, along with the May kidnappings of the father of a French crypto millionaire and David Ballard, co-founder of Ledger (a cryptocurrency wallet developer), and his wife, shocked the nation. The brutality of these attacks was underscored by reports of kidnappers severing a finger from each of the male victims.

The wave of kidnappings prompted swift action from French authorities. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau convened a meeting with cryptocurrency industry stakeholders to address security concerns and devise preventative measures. The arrest of Bajjou marks a significant step forward in these efforts, offering hope for improved security within the French cryptocurrency sector and bringing closer the prospect of justice for the victims. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests and developments are anticipated.