Crypto Executives Become High-Value Targets as Kidnapping Threats Escalate in Europe

As wealth in the cryptocurrency sector continues to grow, so do the dangers facing its most prominent players.

A disturbing rise in targeted abductions has put crypto executives, investors, and even their families on high alert — particularly in France, where several violent incidents have shaken the industry.

Security firms catering to high-net-worth individuals are reporting a spike in demand from crypto clients seeking personal protection. One such company, Amsterdam-based Infinite Risks International, has seen a wave of new inquiries and long-term contracts from individuals within the digital asset space.

In response to the growing threat, French authorities have implemented emergency protocols to safeguard at-risk individuals. These measures include priority access to law enforcement support and confidential security briefings. Officials are also urging crypto holders to avoid flaunting their wealth or wearing branded clothing that could signal involvement in the industry.

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This heightened security posture follows a series of alarming events. In January 2025, David Balland, co-founder of hardware wallet provider Ledger, was kidnapped and held for ransom before being freed by police. A separate case in May 2024 saw the father of a crypto entrepreneur abducted and reportedly mutilated while being held in a Paris suburb — a horrifying detail that mirrors other known cases.

Most recently, on May 13, the family of Pierre Noizat, CEO of crypto exchange Paymium, narrowly escaped an attempted kidnapping in broad daylight. Masked attackers assaulted Noizat’s daughter and grandson on the street, trying to force them into a van. They managed to resist with the help of a passerby, and the assailants fled.

The brazen nature of these incidents has prompted France’s interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, to engage directly with crypto industry leaders. A roundtable has been proposed to address ongoing security threats and develop a coordinated response strategy to protect individuals most at risk.

As cryptocurrency wealth becomes more visible, so too does its vulnerability. For many in the industry, security is no longer optional — it’s essential.

Alexander Stefanov