Moroccan authorities have arrested Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, a 24-year-old French-Moroccan man suspected of being part of a series of high-profile cryptocurrency-related kidnappings in France.
Bajjou was arrested in Tangier on Wednesday, following a joint operation by Morocco’s National Brigade of the Judicial Police (BNPJ) and the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST).
French Minister expresses gratitude to Morocco
Bajjou had been on Interpol’s red notice list since 2023 and was found in possession of multiple bladed weapons, numerous mobile phones, and a sum of money linked to alleged criminal activities.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin praised the Moroccan authorities, emphasising the cooperation between the two countries in combating organised crime.
“I sincerely thank Morocco for this arrest, which demonstrates the excellent judicial cooperation between our two countries, particularly against organised crime,” said Minister Darmanin.
The suspect is believed to be connected to several high-stakes abductions targeting French crypto executives and their families.
In January, David Balland, co-founder of crypto wallet provider Ledger, was kidnapped from his home in central France, according to Reuters. His captors cut off one of his fingers before he was rescued in a police raid.
On May 3, Paris police freed the father of another crypto entrepreneur who had been held for days as part of a €7 million, approximately $7.8 million ransom plot.
Just days later, on May 13, assailants attempted to abduct the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of French crypto platform Paymium, in a brazen daylight attack.
French authorities have since ramped up security measures for crypto executives, including priority emergency response access, home security assessments, and safety briefings.
Ongoing investigation
The arrest highlights strong collaboration between the two countries in combating transnational crime. Bajjou, a native of Le Chesnay near Paris, had been evading capture before Moroccan intelligence located him in Tangier.
A police statement confirmed that the seized electronic devices are undergoing forensic analysis to trace further criminal connections.
Meanwhile, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced that 25 individuals, including minors, have been charged in connection with the kidnapping cases. The surge in abductions reflects growing criminal interest in France’s crypto sector, prompting calls for tighter security and regulatory oversight.
The investigation is still ongoing, and French officials have stated that they remain vigilant. “This arrest sends a strong message,” underscoring the resolve to crack down on kidnapping networks targeting the crypto industry.