Rabat – Moroccan police arrested a 25-year-old man with dual French and Moroccan nationality on Wednesday in Tangier, suspected of being part of a network that kidnaps cryptocurrency traders and their family members and demands ransom payments for their release.
Police said he is suspected of being involved in serious crimes involving kidnapping, blackmail, and money laundering connected to an international criminal network operating in France.
The arrest was part of a joint operation carried out 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 made the arrest after receiving an official complaint from French law enforcement detailing the suspect’s criminal activities in France.
During the operation, police found a large number of weapons, including swords and knives, in the suspect’s possession. They also seized dozens of phones and communication devices, which are now being examined for digital evidence. A significant amount of cash, believed to be linked to the suspect’s illegal activities, was also confiscated.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the man was wanted by French authorities on an international arrest warrant. He is accused of targeting individuals involved in cryptocurrency trading by kidnapping them, using violence, and demanding ransom payments. He is also suspected of helping to launder money gained from these crimes.
The suspect is currently in police custody under Morocco’s legal procedures. The National Judicial Police are conducting the investigation under the supervision of the public prosecutor.
France is currently facing a disturbing rise in kidnappings and attempted kidnappings targeting wealthy individuals connected to cryptocurrency. Criminals are focusing on crypto millionaires and their families, often using violence to demand ransom or access to digital assets.
Several recent cases show a pattern where attackers target people known to have large cryptocurrency holdings. These include tech executives, their family members, and others with public links to crypto wealth.
Just last month, four masked men attempted to kidnap the daughter and grandson of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat in central Paris.
France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has pledged action in response to this disturbing trend. He held a meeting with crypto businesspeople to develop better security protocols and raise awareness of risks.
