Suche
Mein Konto
Kidnappings shock the crypto scene: security in danger!
France's crypto community reacts with concern to growing kidnappings of entrepreneurs. Security and crime in focus.
Kidnappings shock the crypto scene: security in danger!
In France, the situation within the crypto community is coming to a head after a disturbing series of kidnappings in recent months have turned the lives of many entrepreneurs upside down. In particular, the recent kidnapping of a crypto entrepreneur's father has sparked fear and anger. On Friday morning, the father was dragged into a van by four masked perpetrators while he was being watched by witnesses. The attackers demanded an extortion sum of between five and seven million euros. During the attack, the victim's finger was severed and the perpetrators threatened further mutilation if a quick response was not made. Fortunately, the police were able to free the kidnap victim and arrest five suspects aged 20 to 27, as [ZDF] reports.
This violent wave of kidnappings, which includes the failed kidnapping attempt of the daughter of Paymium crypto CEO Pierre Noizat, has significantly increased concerns in the French crypto scene. According to Alexandre Aimonino, a crypto manager and co-founder of a compliance software company, he has radically changed his everyday life. Aimonino avoids public transport, avoids industry meetings and chooses a different route home every day. According to him, many crypto CEOs are reacting to this development with fear and anger, with some even considering hiring bodyguards.
Impact on the crypto industry
The incident is not the first of its kind; In January, the co-founder of the crypto company Ledger and his wife were kidnapped, and a finger was also severed. In this past case, the perpetrators demanded a ransom of around ten million euros in Bitcoin. However, the police were also able to intervene in this kidnapping and the ransom was secured, as [Marketscreener] reports.
Crime in the crypto sector also raises questions about security systems in France. Security companies are reporting an increase in requests for personal protection. In order to deal with the problem, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has held discussions with representatives of the crypto industry. Some entrepreneurs are calling for more decisive action against rising crime and are advocating for deregulation that would allow more anonymity in crypto transactions.
Unclear background and future developments
The backgrounds of the groups of perpetrators are still unclear. A total of ten people were questioned after the Ledger attack, while seven people were arrested after the first kidnapping in May. The Paris public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into kidnapping, false imprisonment and torture. Paymium CEO Noizat raises concerns about France's ability to suppress crime and warns of a possible brain drain from the country. Ledger's Eric Larchevèque also warned that the growing uncertainties could drive away the crypto industry's elite.
The French crypto community is alarmed as the security situation becomes increasingly precarious. While cryptocurrencies represent only a small portion of global financial markets, they have nonetheless created a new group of wealthy investors and are attracting criminals looking for ways to launder their wealth. Security experts warn that criminals are motivated by the sudden wealth of crypto investors as regulators strive to curb criminal misuse of crypto.
The situation requires urgent action to ensure the safety of affected entrepreneurs and increase trust in the crypto industry. As threats increase, understanding and supporting authorities is more important than ever.