France’s Interior Minister to Meet Crypto Industry Leaders Following Kidnapping Attempts

France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau will hold a meeting with cryptocurrency professionals on Friday to address growing security concerns after a series of attempted and actual kidnappings targeting figures in the crypto industry.

The meeting was announced just one day after a brazen attempt in Paris, where masked assailants tried to abduct the daughter and grandson of a prominent French crypto entrepreneur. The incident took place in broad daylight in the 11th arrondissement of the capital. According to police sources cited by AFP, four armed men attacked the family, but the victims managed to escape with only minor injuries and were taken to the hospital.

The woman targeted in the attack is the daughter of the CEO and co-founder of Paymium, a French cryptocurrency exchange platform.

Retailleau told Europe 1/CNews on Wednesday, “I will bring together those in the crypto industry—of which there are a few in France—at the Interior Ministry to work on their security and raise awareness of the risks they face.”

This latest incident follows several similar cases in recent months. In January, David Balland, co-founder of crypto firm Ledger, and his partner were abducted. Balland’s finger was severed during the ordeal. Nine suspects, including the suspected mastermind, have since been arrested.

In another case this May, a man was kidnapped in an attempt to extort ransom from his crypto-millionaire son. Police rescued the victim and arrested seven suspects in a subsequent raid.

“We need to take joint measures to protect crypto businesspeople and their families,” Retailleau said, adding, “We will find those responsible, even if they’re abroad.”

The Interior Ministry has confirmed that Friday’s meeting with crypto industry representatives will proceed as planned.