French-Moroccan man arrested in Tangier for crypto-related kidnapping
Moroccan police have apprehended a 25-year-old man holding dual French and Moroccan nationality in Tangier, suspected of involvement in a network that kidnaps cryptocurrency traders and their families, demanding ransom payments for their release.
The police stated that the suspect is linked to serious crimes, including kidnapping, blackmail, and money laundering, tied to an international criminal network operating in France. This arrest was part of a coordinated operation by Morocco’s National Judicial Police Brigade (BNPJ) and the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST). According to a statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), Moroccan authorities acted on an official complaint from French law enforcement detailing the suspect’s criminal activities in France.
During the operation, the police discovered a significant cache of weapons, including swords and knives, in the suspect's possession. They also seized numerous phones and communication devices, which are currently being analyzed for digital evidence. A substantial amount of cash, believed to be connected to his illicit activities, was also confiscated.
Preliminary investigations have indicated that the suspect was wanted by French authorities under an international arrest warrant. He is accused of targeting individuals involved in cryptocurrency trading by kidnapping them, employing violence, and demanding ransom payments. Moreover, he is suspected of facilitating the laundering of money obtained from these crimes.
France is experiencing a troubling surge in kidnappings and attempted kidnappings aimed at affluent individuals involved in cryptocurrency. Criminals are increasingly focusing on crypto millionaires and their families, often resorting to violence to extort ransom or access digital assets.
Recent incidents reflect a pattern wherein attackers specifically target individuals known to possess substantial cryptocurrency holdings. This includes tech executives, their family members, and others publicly linked to crypto wealth.
Last month, for instance, four masked assailants attempted to kidnap the daughter and grandson of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat in central Paris.
In response to this alarming trend, France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has vowed to take action. He convened a meeting with cryptocurrency professionals to develop enhanced security protocols and raise awareness of the associated risks.
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