A 24-year-old French-Moroccan man suspected of orchestrating a series of high-profile crypto kidnappings in France has been arrested in Tangier, Morocco, following a coordinated international operation.
Arrest of the Suspect in Tangier
According to a statement released by Moroccan authorities, the suspect was taken into custody in Tangier by a joint task force from Morocco’s National Judicial Police Brigade (BNPJ) and the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST). The operation was carried out at the request of French authorities, as part of a broader crackdown on violent crypto-related crimes.
The arrested individual has been identified as Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, believed to be the mastermind behind several attempted and successful kidnappings involving prominent figures in the French cryptocurrency community.
France and Morocco Cooperate on Arrest
The arrest has been hailed as a result of strong international judicial cooperation. In a public statement, France’s Minister of Justice thanked Moroccan law enforcement, saying the case “demonstrates the excellent judicial cooperation between our two countries, particularly against organized crime.”
Interpol had issued a red notice for Bajjou, accusing him of organized extortion, kidnapping, and violent assault.
Background: Crypto-Related Kidnappings in France
The arrest follows a string of violent incidents targeting crypto entrepreneurs and their families in France. On May 13, a failed kidnapping attempt targeted the family of Pierre Noizat, CEO of crypto exchange Paymium.
In another disturbing case, the father of a French crypto millionaire was abducted, drawing parallels to a previous attack on David Ballard, co-founder of crypto wallet firm Ledger. In both cases, the victims reportedly had fingers severed in an attempt to extract crypto wallet access.
To date, more than two dozen individuals — including six minors — have been charged in connection with the wave of crimes, underscoring the growing threat of targeted crypto-related violence in Europe.
Government Response and Security Measures
Following the incidents, France’s Interior Ministry held a security summit with members of the crypto industry to explore measures to enhance protection for high-profile investors and developers.
The arrest of Bajjou is being seen as a breakthrough in dismantling the network behind these attacks, and French authorities have vowed to continue pursuing justice for the victims.
