French Crypto Entrepreneur Kidnapping Coordinator Arrested
Date: 2025-06-06 Author: Oliver Abernathy Categories: IN WORLD
Moroccan police have arrested 24-year-old French citizen of Moroccan descent Badis Badja, who is suspected of involvement in a series of kidnappings targeting French crypto entrepreneurs. Among the victims is one of the founders of Ledger, David Balland, who was kidnapped in January 2025.
According to French investigators, the crimes were aimed at obtaining ransom in digital currencies. The attackers not only hunted the entrepreneurs themselves, but also persecuted their family members. Thus, on May 13 in Paris, a group of attackers allegedly tried to kidnap the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of the crypto company Paymium. This happened during the daytime and caused a wide public outcry.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed that Badis Badju coordinated the activities of the criminal network from outside France, in Morocco. He used instant messengers to organize the kidnappings, through which he recruited the perpetrators. Darmanin expressed gratitude to Moroccan law enforcement for their assistance in detaining the suspect and noted that the case highlights the importance of international cooperation in the fight against organized crime, especially in the field of digital assets.
The French police had previously carried out a large-scale operation, in which more than 20 people suspected of participating in similar crimes were arrested. According to the investigation, they were part of an extensive network specializing in kidnappings for the purpose of extorting cryptocurrencies.
The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement agencies in both countries are confident that the arrest of Badis Badju will help identify other participants in the criminal scheme.
