Mastermind Behind French Crypto Kidnappings Arrested in Morocco, Investigations Deepen

The arrest follows an active Interpol red notice and extensive cross-border coordination, as reported by Le Parisien and cited in The Block.

Bajjou Accused of Orchestrating Targeted Attacks on Crypto Entrepreneurs

French authorities believe Bajjou played a central role in coordinating multiple violent incidents, including the abduction of crypto entrepreneurs and wealthy individuals involved in digital assets. Some of these attacks date back to July 2023.

In one case, assailants kidnapped an elderly woman and demanded cryptocurrency from her son as ransom. Two suspects have already been indicted in connection with that case. Investigators also suspect Bajjou’s involvement in the attempted kidnapping of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat’s family, where masked attackers tried to abduct Noizat’s daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild in broad daylight. Bystanders intervened, preventing the attack. 25 suspects, including minors, were later charged.

Ledger Co-founder Torture Case Tied to Bajjou

Perhaps the most disturbing allegation involves Bajjou’s suspected role in the abduction and torture of Ledger co-founder David Balland. During the attack, the perpetrators reportedly severed one of Balland’s fingers and demanded €10 million in cryptocurrency as ransom.

Weapons and Devices Seized During Arrest

Local Moroccan media reports state that upon Bajjou’s arrest, authorities seized multiple bladed weapons, dozens of mobile phones, and a substantial amount of cash linked to the criminal enterprise.

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin publicly thanked Moroccan officials for their cooperation in capturing Bajjou. Despite the arrest, police believe another key suspect—a Franco-Moroccan man in his 40s and presumed ringleader—remains at large.

Ongoing Threats to Crypto Wealth

The case underscores the escalating risk faced by crypto entrepreneurs and investors, especially those publicly known to manage large digital asset portfolios. Authorities continue to caution about the vulnerability of high-net-worth individuals in the crypto sector to both cyber and physical threats.

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