TLDR
- French-Moroccan suspect Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, 24, arrested in Morocco for allegedly masterminding crypto kidnappings in France
- Moroccan authorities captured him in Tangier following Interpol red notice and French request for arrest
- French authorities already charged over two dozen people, including six minors, in connection with the crypto kidnapping cases
- Kidnappings targeted crypto entrepreneurs and families, including Ledger co-founder David Balland who had his finger severed
- Cases included failed kidnapping attempt of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat’s family and other high-profile crypto figures
Moroccan authorities arrested the alleged mastermind behind a series of crypto kidnappings that have plagued France in recent months. The 24-year-old French-Moroccan suspect was taken into custody in Tangier following an international manhunt.
Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou was captured through a joint operation between Morocco’s National Judicial Police Brigade and the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance. French authorities had requested his arrest through Interpol, which issued a red notice for the suspect.
French Justice Minister GĂŠrald Darmanin praised the arrest on social media platform X. He thanked Morocco for the capture, highlighting the judicial cooperation between the two countries in fighting organized crime.
đŤđˇđ˛đŚ Je remercie sincèrement le Maroc pour cette arrestation qui montre lâexcellente coopĂŠration judiciaire entre nos deux pays, en particulier contre la criminalitĂŠ organisĂŠe. https://t.co/2nLxfKVHmU
— GĂŠrald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) June 4, 2025
Interpol’s red notice listed Bajjou as wanted for organized extortion, kidnapping and violence. The international police organization’s bulletin described him as a key figure in the French crypto crime wave.
French authorities believe Bajjou orchestrated several kidnappings and attempted abductions from abroad. The crimes targeted cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families across France over several months.
One of the most serious cases involved David Balland, co-founder of crypto wallet company Ledger. Kidnappers seized Balland and his wife in January, severing the executive’s finger while demanding ransom. Law enforcement eventually rescued the couple.
Recent Crime Wave Targets Crypto Community
The kidnapping attempts continued into May with multiple incidents. Masked men attempted to kidnap the pregnant daughter of Pierre Noizat, CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Paymium. The family fought off the attackers in an incident that went viral on social media.
Another case in May involved the kidnapping of a French crypto millionaire’s father. This incident followed a similar pattern to the Balland case, with kidnappers again severing a victim’s finger.
French authorities have made extensive arrests in connection with these crimes. More than two dozen people face charges, including six minors who were allegedly involved in the kidnapping network.
Most of the charged individuals are connected to the failed May 13 kidnapping attempt targeting Noizat’s family. The case appears to have been a turning point that led to the broader investigation.
The crime wave prompted French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau to host a security meeting. He met with cryptocurrency industry representatives to discuss protective measures for people in the crypto sector.
Investigation Continues
The arrest represents a major breakthrough in France’s investigation into organized crypto crime. Bajjou’s capture in Morocco shows how the criminal network operated across international borders.
Moroccan authorities worked closely with French police to track down the suspect. The cooperation demonstrates how law enforcement agencies coordinate to combat transnational organized crime.
French authorities continue investigating the full scope of the kidnapping network. The arrest of Bajjou may lead to additional charges and arrests as the investigation progresses.
The case highlights growing security concerns for cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and investors. High-profile figures in the crypto industry have become targets for organized criminal groups seeking large ransoms.
Bajjou remains in Moroccan custody pending potential extradition to France. French authorities will likely seek his transfer to face charges related to the kidnapping cases.
