Mastermind Behind French Crypto Kidnapping Ring Arrested in Morocco Amid Global Copycat Fears
Authorities in Morocco have arrested Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, a Franco-Moroccan national identified as the mastermind behind a wave of violent crypto-related kidnappings in France. The arrest, carried out in Tangier, marks a significant development in a case that has shocked French law enforcement and triggered heightened security across the country.
The 24-year-old suspect was apprehended following the earlier detention of 25 alleged gang members in France, aged between 16 and 23. This group is believed to have carried out a coordinated string of abductions targeting cryptocurrency holders, raising alarm over the intersection of organized crime and digital asset ownership.
Cross-Border Cooperation Leads to Key Arrest
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin publicly praised Moroccan authorities for their swift cooperation.
“I sincerely thank Morocco for this arrest, which demonstrates excellent judicial cooperation between our two countries, particularly in the fight against organised crime,” Darmanin stated.
Bajjou was apprehended under an Interpol red notice, which listed charges including kidnapping, false imprisonment, and hostage-taking. He has been directly linked to the kidnapping of French crypto investor David Balland, although French investigators believe he may have been involved in a broader network of attacks.
Another Suspect Still at Large
While Bajjou’s arrest is a breakthrough, French investigators caution that the criminal network may not be fully dismantled. Reports from Le Parisien suggest that another high-ranking member of the gang—also a Franco-Moroccan, and believed to be in his 40s—remains at large. According to these sources, both men operated from Morocco and recruited French youth to carry out the abductions on French soil.
With most of the alleged operatives now in custody, authorities hope one of the detainees may cooperate and help dismantle the remaining elements of the group.
Crypto Crime Goes Global
The rise in crypto-related kidnappings isn’t isolated to France. Similar incidents have occurred in Argentina, the United States, and other countries, highlighting a disturbing global trend: as cryptocurrency ownership becomes more mainstream, it’s also becoming more attractive to criminals.
Experts warn that while the dismantling of this particular network is a major step forward, it may not be enough to stop future incidents. Copycat operations—motivated by the promise of untraceable digital wealth—could continue to emerge.