A 24-year-old Franco-Moroccan man, identified as Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, suspected of masterminding a string of kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs in France, has been apprehended in Morocco. The arrest, confirmed by French authorities on Wednesday, marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into a series of high-profile abductions that have shaken the French crypto community.
The suspect was arrested in Tangier, a northern Moroccan city, following a joint operation by Morocco's National Judicial Police Brigade (BNPJ) and the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), acting on a request from French authorities. The arrest was carried out based on an Interpol "red notice" issued for Bajjou, who is wanted on charges including organized extortion, kidnapping, and violence.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed his gratitude to Morocco for their cooperation, stating on X, "I sincerely thank Morocco for this arrest, which demonstrates excellent judicial cooperation between our two countries, particularly against organized crime."
The series of kidnappings and attempted abductions have targeted wealthy individuals in the cryptocurrency sector, causing considerable alarm and prompting one prominent crypto entrepreneur to call for authorities to "stop the Mexicanisation" of France. In response to the growing concerns, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau held an emergency meeting with cryptocurrency leaders in May, announcing plans to bolster their security. These measures include private security consultations and home assessments for individuals deemed at risk.
Among the most notable cases linked to this alleged mastermind is the January kidnapping of David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, a crypto firm valued at over $1 billion. Balland and his partner were subjected to brutal treatment, with Balland's finger being severed by the kidnappers, who demanded a substantial ransom. At least nine suspects are already under investigation in connection with this case.
Another incident involved the attempted kidnapping of the family of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of the Paymium exchange, in May. Masked men attacked Noizat's pregnant daughter, her husband, and their child in broad daylight on a Paris street, highlighting the brazen nature of these crimes.
The French authorities have charged more than two dozen people, including six minors, in connection with the spate of crypto kidnappings in Paris. These individuals are believed to have been involved in carrying out the abductions or providing logistical support.
Bajjou, a native of Le Chesnay, west of Paris, is believed to have orchestrated the kidnappings and abduction attempts from abroad, according to Le Parisien. While French authorities have made numerous arrests, those detained until now are thought to have been directly involved in the abductions or logistics. Bajjou's arrest is considered a major breakthrough, as he is suspected of being a key organizer and mastermind behind the operations.
According to a police source, because Bajjou is a dual national, he will not be extradited to France and will be tried in Morocco on the charges he is facing in France. French authorities have already passed details of the charges to Moroccan counterparts so that the man can face justice in Morocco.
The arrest of Bajjou represents a significant step forward in addressing the rising threat of crypto-related crime in France. The coordinated efforts between French and Moroccan authorities demonstrate the importance of international cooperation in combating organized crime and ensuring the safety of individuals in the cryptocurrency sector. As investigations continue, authorities hope to dismantle the entire criminal network and bring all those involved to justice.
