The French government is stepping up security for top cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families after a series of kidnappings targeting industry leaders, reports Politico. The new measures include priority access to emergency police lines, home safety visits, and security briefings. Police officers will also receive special training to detect crypto-related money laundering.
The move follows three violent incidents, including two successful abductions and a recent attempted kidnapping involving the family of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat. In that case, four individuals tried to abduct his daughter and grandson in broad daylight. Earlier, Ledger cofounder David Balland was kidnapped, and another crypto leader’s father was taken earlier this month.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau met with crypto leaders on Friday, stating the government would take swift steps to prevent further attacks and protect the industry. He believes the incidents may be linked and confirmed that France’s organized crime unit is handling the investigations, with some arrests already made.
However, Paymium CEO Noizat expressed skepticism, calling the meeting a “communications operation” in an interview with BFMTV.
