In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through France and the global crypto community, the daughter of a high-profile cryptocurrency executive and her toddler were targeted in a terrifying attempted kidnapping in central Paris. The violent ambush, captured on camera and unfolding in broad daylight, appears to be the latest in a string of attacks linked to crypto wealth, raising alarm over the security of digital asset executives and their families.
Attempted Kidnapping in Broad Daylight
What Happened on Rue Pache
At 8:20 a.m. on Monday, May 13, a 34-year-old woman, her husband, and their two-year-old child were walking down Rue Pache in Paris’s 11th arrondissement when a white van bearing a fake Chronopost logo suddenly stopped nearby. Three masked men leapt out and attempted to drag the woman and her toddler into the vehicle.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage, the attackers brandished knives and tried to overpower the woman while her child clung to her side. Her screams—“Let me go, let me go!”—were heard across the neighborhood. Her husband can be heard yelling, “Help, she’s pregnant!” in a desperate plea for intervention.
Harrowing Scenes Captured on Video
The entire scene was filmed by a resident in a nearby apartment and quickly spread across social media. Viewers expressed outrage and horror as the footage showed the woman struggling to escape, protected only by her unarmed husband and the bravery of a bystander.
Victims’ Background and Crypto Connection
Daughter of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat
The woman has been identified as the daughter of Pierre Noizat, the founder and CEO of Paymium—a leading French cryptocurrency exchange platform established in 2011. Noizat is one of the earliest crypto pioneers in Europe and remains a prominent figure in the fintech space.
Family’s Public Profile and Wealth
Due to her familial connection and the public nature of her father’s work, authorities believe the family may have been targeted specifically because of their ties to the cryptocurrency industry—a sector increasingly known for high net-worth individuals and digital wealth.
Kidnapping Motive Tied to Crypto Holdings
Investigators suspect the attempted abduction was financially motivated, likely with the intent to extort cryptocurrency or secure ransom in digital assets—difficult to trace and easy to move.
Heroic Intervention and Escape
Father’s Brave Defense
Despite being unarmed, the woman’s husband fought off the assailants, sustaining minor injuries in the process. His actions, combined with the intervention of a passing citizen, likely prevented a successful kidnapping.
Bystander Joins with Fire Extinguisher
A nearby bystander rushed to assist the family, using a fire extinguisher to blind and deter the attackers. This quick-thinking act helped break the attackers‘ momentum and forced them to flee.
Gang Flees Scene, Leaves Behind Replica Gun
The attackers left behind a handgun that police later identified as a non-lethal Airsoft pistol. Their white van was found abandoned nearby, and is now undergoing forensic analysis.
French Authorities Launch Manhunt
Anti-Banditry Unit Takes Over
France’s Brigade de Répression du Banditisme, a specialized anti-banditry police unit, has taken over the investigation. Officers are reviewing security camera footage and seeking additional eyewitnesses.
Recovery of Van and Leads
The recovered van is being combed for fingerprints and DNA. Investigators are exploring links to organized criminal networks that may be behind similar high-value abduction attempts.
Appeal for Witnesses and Surveillance
Police have issued a public appeal for witnesses and are asking for any additional footage from the area, hoping to track the attackers’ escape route and identify their hideout.
A Growing Threat to Crypto Executives
Recent High-Profile Crypto Abductions
This incident echoes a disturbing pattern in Europe. In January, Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife were kidnapped and tortured, with attackers demanding €10 million in crypto ransom. Earlier this month, another crypto executive’s father was kidnapped and mutilated in a failed extortion attempt.
Pattern of Crypto-Focused Crime in Europe
Authorities are investigating whether these crimes are part of a larger network preying on cryptocurrency figures. Crypto wealth, while digital, is increasingly placing its holders at risk in the physical world.
Kidnap for Crypto: A New Trend
These incidents point to a new criminal trend—”kidnap for crypto”—where victims are forced to transfer digital assets under duress. Unlike cash, crypto can be harder to recover, offering criminals a high-reward, low-trace payoff.
Security Measures and Expert Warnings
Need for Discretion in Crypto Wealth
Security consultants now urge crypto entrepreneurs to avoid flaunting wealth or publicly disclosing asset ownership. Many criminals find targets through social media, business disclosures, and even podcasts.
Role of Personal Security Teams
High-profile individuals are increasingly turning to private security services for protection. Experts advise daily route changes, armored vehicles, and encrypted communications as standard protocols for high-risk individuals.
Best Practices to Prevent Targeted Attacks
- Limit public exposure of financial assets
- Use biometric locks and encrypted wallets
- Employ round-the-clock private security
- Conduct security audits of personal routines
Conclusion
The attempted kidnapping of a crypto CEO’s daughter and grandchild in central Paris highlights the very real risks that digital wealth now poses in the physical world. As cryptocurrency becomes more mainstream and high-profile individuals attract unwanted attention, it is crucial for both industry leaders and everyday investors to rethink personal security. Thankfully, swift action by the victim’s husband and a brave bystander prevented tragedy—but the message is clear: in the world of crypto, caution must extend far beyond the blockchain.
FAQs
- Who was targeted in the kidnapping attempt in Paris?
- The daughter and two-year-old grandchild of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat.
- Why were they targeted?
- Authorities believe the motive was financially driven, tied to the family’s wealth in cryptocurrency.
- Were the attackers arrested?
- No arrests have been made yet, but the Paris anti-banditry unit is actively investigating.
- Is this part of a larger trend?
- Yes, recent months have seen a surge in kidnapping and extortion attempts targeting crypto entrepreneurs.
- What precautions should crypto holders take?
- Maintain discretion, employ personal security, avoid sharing asset details publicly, and prepare security protocols.
