Crypto industry executives are beefing up personal security and demanding more bodyguard services in response to a recent string of kidnapping and ransom attempts worldwide \u2014 particularly in France \u2014 targeting investors and professionals in the sector.<\/p>\n
According to a Bloomberg report<\/a>, Infinite Risks International, a private security firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is seeing more inquiries into bodyguard services and more long-term clients signing up for a private security detail.<\/p>\n Additionally, French law enforcement officials recently announced enhanced security measures<\/a> for crypto entrepreneurs and investors, following at least three separate kidnapping incidents so far in 2025.<\/p>\n The measures include security briefings and expedited access to police lines in the case of emergencies for the entrepreneurs and their families.<\/p>\n French law enforcement authorities also advised crypto investors not to advertise their wealth or wear crypto-branded clothing, lessening their chances of becoming targets. The disturbing string of incidents highlights the need for proactive safety measures and vigilance for crypto investors and industry professionals.<\/p>\n Related: <\/strong><\/em>Violent crypto robberies on the rise: Six attacks that targeted investors<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n David Balland, the co-founder of hardware wallet company Ledger, was kidnapped in January 2025 and held for ransom for several days before being rescued by French police<\/a>.<\/p>\n In May 2024, the father of an unnamed crypto entrepreneur was freed from a ransom attempt<\/a> after French law enforcement officials raided the location in a Paris suburb where the individual was being held hostage by organized criminals.<\/p>\n According<\/a> to Le Parisien, the suspects severed one of the victim’s fingers \u2014 bearing a disturbing similarity to other crypto-related kidnapping cases in France where the victim was mutilated by the suspects.<\/p>\n Masked assailants attempt to abduct the family of Pierre Noizat, co-founder of French crypto exchange Paymium. Source: <\/em>Le Figaro<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Shortly after, On May 13, the family of Pierre Noizat, the co-founder and CEO of French crypto exchange Paymium, was targeted in an attempted kidnapping<\/a>.<\/p>\n Several masked assailants physically assaulted the family on the street and attempted to force Noizat’s daughter and grandson into a van in broad daylight.<\/p>\n The daughter and another pedestrian managed to fight off the attackers and force them into retreat, preventing the family from being abducted.<\/p>\n The high visibility and brazenness of the crime sent shockwaves through the crypto world, leading French interior minister Bruno Retailleau to call for a meeting with industry executives<\/a> to discuss the incidents and propose enhanced security measures for at-risk crypto professionals and high net worth investors.<\/p>\nRecent string of kidnappings and ransom attempts impacts France<\/h2>\n