On Tuesday, May 13, the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of the crypto platform Paymium, were victims of an attempted kidnapping in Paris. This practice is becoming increasingly widespread, to the great concern of crypto entrepreneurs.

3 crypto kidnappings since January

Attempted kidnapping of the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of Paymium

On Tuesday, May 13, the family of the Paymium CEO were victims of a violent attempted kidnapping in Paris. Around 8:20 a.m., on Rue Pache, four hooded and armed men attempted to force them into a Chronopost van. The woman fought back and the scene was filmed. Her partner eventually intervened by pushing back the attackers with a fire extinguisher. This assault has shaken the French crypto sector, especially as it is the third such incident since January.

Kidnapping and holding of a crypto entrepreneur's father in May

A crypto kidnapping had already taken place on May 1. Like the one involving Pierre Noizat's daughter, it was an abduction in Paris using a delivery van. The father of a crypto entrepreneur was kidnapped and held captive for two days. The kidnappers cut off one of his fingers, demanding a ransom of 5 to 7 million euros, which they never received. The Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI) eventually intervened.

Kidnapping of David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, and his partner

In early 2025, a crypto kidnapping had already shocked the French crypto ecosystem and beyond: that of David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, a French unicorn in cold wallets. On January 21, he was kidnapped at his home in the Cher region and locked up 100 km away. The kidnappers held him captive, cut off a finger, and sent a video of the mutilation to Éric Larchevêque, another Ledger co-founder, to demand a ransom. After 48 hours, the man and his wife, who was found tied up in a car trunk, were finally released thanks to the intervention of the GIGN.

YouTuber Hasheur threatened at his home in 2022

Finally, in 2022, crypto entrepreneur Hasheur was also the victim of physical threats at his home. An individual had broken into his apartment armed with a rifle. The YouTuber eventually managed to push back his assailant and secure his home. This event drastically increased his awareness of the risks and prompted him to further secure his digital assets. It also revealed the shortcomings of emergency systems, highlighting the necessary vigilance of crypto entrepreneurs in the face of insecurity.

With WEEX, trade securely thanks to our 1,000 BTC protection fund and our proof of reserves. Check out our page on Account Security and Risk Management and our Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Policy.

Reactions from public and political figures

Reaction of Pierre Noizat

Following the attempted kidnapping of his daughter, Pierre Noizat, CEO of Paymium, responded with calm and determination. Speaking to BFM TV, he expressed his deep concern regarding the rise of organized crime. He denounced political inaction and the flaws in the French monetary system, which he believes are responsible for weakening security. Pierre Noizat is calling for better protection for crypto entrepreneurs, particularly by limiting the exposure of their personal addresses, and is advocating for a radical reform of the political and monetary system for a safer society.

Reaction of Éric Larchevêque, co-founder of Ledger

Faced with the resurgence of crypto kidnappings, Éric Larchevêque, co-founder of Ledger, believes that "today, succeeding in France, whether in crypto-assets or elsewhere, is like putting a target on your back." Stating that he himself spends more than 50,000 € per month on his security, he believes that some crypto entrepreneurs should be allowed to carry weapons. He also requests restricting public access to executives' personal addresses, that companies be allowed to fund the security of their executives within a legal framework, and that self-defense be recognized, at least for executives—all on a case-by-case basis.

Meeting organized by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau

Éric Larchevêque's requests were submitted to Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who met with crypto sector stakeholders on Friday, May 16, in response to the latest attempted kidnapping in Paris. The ministry announced, among other things:

• Priority access to the 17 emergency number for executives and a security consultation of their homes by police and national gendarmerie security officers

• A "Security Briefing" provided by the GIGN, RAID, or BRI PP for the most affected stakeholders and their families

• A dual point of contact: the 17 number for any form of emergency and the Ministry of the Interior's command in cyberspace (ComCyberMI)

• Training for law enforcement on combating crypto-asset money laundering

The Ministry of the Interior will propose concrete measures against crypto kidnappings.

With WEEX, trade securely thanks to our 1,000 BTC protection fund and our proof of reserves. Check out our page on Account Security and Risk Management and our Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Policy.

How to protect your assets in the event of a crypto kidnapping?

Certain techniques can help protect your assets in the event of a crypto kidnapping.

Dead man's switch

A "dead man's switch" is a mechanism that automatically releases information or assets to a third party if the user becomes inactive. For example, the decentralized service Sarcophagus allows individuals, particularly crypto entrepreneurs, to ensure the secure transmission of their assets or sensitive information to designated third parties in the event of prolonged inactivity. In the event of a crypto kidnapping, this solution proves crucial, allowing for the programmed release of data or funds to a loved one if the victim can no longer interact with their wallet, thus preventing the loss or freezing of assets.

Cloud storage tool

Another secure and practical method is to store your encryption phrase in the cloud, but in an encrypted format. Cryptomator allows you to create virtual vaults, making your data unreadable to anyone else. This solution offers accessibility from anywhere via the internet, while ensuring optimal security, turning the cloud into an impenetrable fortress for your crypto in the event of a crypto kidnapping.

Cold wallet with alternative PIN code

An alternative PIN code ("trick PIN") is a special security feature designed on some cold wallets (such as COLDCARD) for situations of physical coercion, such as a crypto kidnapping. Instead of unlocking your main wallet, entering this alternative PIN triggers a preconfigured action. It generally opens a "duress wallet" (containing very few funds), or can even erase the device's data or render it unusable. This allows you to simulate cooperation with the attackers while protecting your main holdings.

A COLDCARD can be useful in the event of a crypto kidnapping thanks to its alternative PIN function.

Conclusion: How to protect your assets in the face of rising crypto kidnappings?

The resurgence of crypto kidnappings in France, illustrated by the cases of Pierre Noizat and David Balland, highlights the vulnerability of crypto entrepreneurs. Faced with this threat, collaboration between authorities and sector stakeholders is crucial, as shown by the measures announced by the Ministry of the Interior. Beyond increased vigilance, the adoption of innovative technical solutions, such as a "dead man's switch," encrypted cloud storage, or cold wallets with an alternative PIN, is becoming essential to protect digital assets in the face of this escalating crime.

With WEEX, trade securely thanks to our 1,000 BTC protection fund and our proof of reserves. Check out our page on Account Security and Risk Management and our Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Policy.

DISCLAIMER

WEEX and its affiliates provide digital asset exchange services, including derivatives and margin trading, only where permitted by law and for eligible users. All content is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult an independent advisor before trading. Cryptocurrency trading is highly risky and may result in the total loss of your assets. By using WEEX services, you accept all associated risks and terms. Never invest more than you can afford to lose. Please consult our Terms of Use and our Risk Disclosure for more details.