A former cryptocurrency trader was reportedly kidnapped and held captive between Paris and Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Yvelines) during Aug. 26-27, a local media report said .
The report cited a source who said:
"His wife was contacted and stated that her husband had left the house on Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. to go to work. She revealed that this former trader had carried out part of his activity in cryptocurrency."
The kidnappers allegedly demanded a ransom of more than $11,630 for the release of the victim. Though the former crypto trader was freed, he returned home with a swollen face.
More on crypto and security:
France PM François Bayrou in trouble
The news amidst the prospect of a political collapse in France due to an economic crisis.
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Prime Minister François Bayrou has called for parliament to hold a confidence vote on 8 September.
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But he simply doesn't have the numbers, given that parties of the left and far right have vowed to bring down his government.
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Bayrou's minority government aims to bring down the budget deficit from last year's 5.8% of GDP to 4.6% in 2026.
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However, Goldman Sachs analysts expect Bayrou to temper his demand for a reduction in the deficit to save his administration.
Crypto kidnappings in France
France has also been hit by a wave of crypto-related kidnappings in recent months.
In January, kidnappers abducted the crypto wallet firm Ledger 's co-founder David Balland and his partner. The criminals cut off Balland's finger and demanded a hefty ransom. He was freed in a day, and his girlfriend was found tied up in the boot of a car outside Paris.
In May, the daughter and grandson of the crypto trading exchange Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat were almost kidnapped in broad daylight in Paris.
The criminal activity targeting crypto entrepreneurs and their families has embarrassed the French government. The interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, even met crypto leaders in an emergency meeting in mid-May to boost their security.
This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Aug 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the MARKETS section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
