Moroccan Police Arrest Key Figure in French Crypto kidnapping Ring
A important arrest has been made in the ongoing saga of crypto executive kidnappings in France. On june 4, Moroccan authorities detained Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou in Tangier. The French-Moroccan national is suspected of orchestrating several high-profile kidnappings, including the torturous abduction of David Balland, co-founder of the crypto wallet company Ledger.
Acting on an Interpol red notice, the Moroccan National Brigade of the Judicial Police and the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance carried out the operation. police found Bajjou with weapons and several mobile devices, which are now being analyzed. They also seized cash believed to be linked to criminal activities.
The French government has been battling a series of crypto-related kidnappings. On May 13, an attack on the daughter and grandson of Paymium CEO, Pierre Noizat, was thwarted by bystanders in Paris. Just ten days earlier,another wealthy crypto entrepreneur’s father was held captive for days,with kidnappers demanding a €7 million ransom in cryptocurrency.
- French officials have implemented countermeasures like enhanced surveillance and security audits for crypto executives.
- A major breakthrough occurred on May 27 with coordinated raids resulting in the arrest of over a dozen suspects.
- By May 31, 25 individuals, including those as young as 16, were charged for their involvement in these kidnapping attempts.
Despite being a loosely organized network, the group allegedly used tactics such as stolen vehicles and fake courier logos. the masterminds were initially at large, but Bajjou’s arrest adds momentum to the investigation. This operation is a joint effort by France and Morocco to combat the growing threat against crypto industry leaders.
