Michaela
The father of a Dubai-based crypto entrepreneur was abducted in broad daylight by four masked assailants, sparking speculation that the incident may be linked to his son’s cryptocurrency activities.
Key Points
- The father of a Dubai-based crypto entrepreneur was kidnapped in broad daylight in Val-d’Oise, France, and later released after being assaulted.
- Kidnappings targeting crypto entrepreneurs, their relatives, or individuals with significant cryptocurrency holdings are rising in France.
- High-profile cases, including the abduction of Ledger co-founder David Balland and attempted kidnappings of crypto families in Paris, spotlight the increasing risks.
According to RTL France, the 53-year-old man was kidnapped in broad daylight outside his home in Val-d’Oise, France. Four assailants dressed in black, wearing balaclavas and gloves, forced him into a van before fleeing the scene, police sources reported.
Furthermore, police quickly identified the victim after personal items, including his shoes and phone, were discarded from the van. The man, a healthcare executive, is the father of a son reportedly active in the cryptocurrency sector, though this link remains unconfirmed. Authorities found the victim later in the evening following his voluntary release. He had reportedly been assaulted, but his condition has not been disclosed, and it remains unclear if a ransom demand was made to his son.
Kidnappings targeting crypto entrepreneurs, their relatives, or individuals with significant cryptocurrency holdings have become an increasing concern within the crypto community.
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One of the most high-profile recent kidnappings in France involved Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife in Vierzon. The couple was forcibly taken by a violent group and held at separate locations. The assailants demanded a substantial cryptocurrency ransom and reportedly sent a severed finger, believed to belong to the crypto entrepreneur, to demonstrate the seriousness of their threat.
In May, armed assailants in Paris allegedly attempted to kidnap the daughter and grandson of a prominent French crypto entrepreneur. Four masked individuals targeted the family, leaving all three with minor injuries. Surveillance footage showed three of the assailants emerging from a van and trying to drag the woman and her child inside. Her partner, who intervened, was reportedly assaulted during the struggle. The woman resisted the abduction, seizing one of the assailants’ handguns and discarding it, while her cries, along with those of the other victims, drew the attention of nearby passers-by.
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These incidents emphasize a growing concern within the cryptocurrency community, where high-value holdings and ties to the crypto industry can make crypto entrepreneurs and their families potential targets for violent crimes. Authorities are increasingly cautious about the risks associated with digital assets, spotlighting the need for heightened security measures and awareness for crypto entrepreneurs and others involved in the sector.
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MICHAELA
Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.
