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The recent attempted kidnapping of the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of French crypto exchange Paymium, highlights a growing concern within the cryptocurrency industry: the increasing risk of physical attacks targeting crypto holders and their families. This incident, which occurred in Paris on May 13th, involved three masked assailants attempting to force Noizat’s daughter and grandson into a van. The attack was thwarted by bystanders, one of whom intervened with a fire extinguisher. The abandoned getaway vehicle was later recovered by authorities. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has responded by inviting cryptocurrency professionals to discuss security measures.
This event is not isolated. Jameson Lopp, co-founder of Casa, maintains a GitHub list documenting numerous offline crypto robberies, including 22 in-person thefts in 2025 alone. This likely underrepresents the true number of incidents, as a University of Cambridge study indicated underreporting due to fear of further victimization. These attacks, often termed “$5 wrench attacks” (referencing the minimal effort sometimes required), target individuals due to their association with cryptocurrency. The anonymity inherent in cryptocurrency transactions makes it difficult to trace funds and apprehend perpetrators. This vulnerability makes physical security paramount.
Paris has seen a surge in such incidents. Earlier in 2025, the father of a crypto entrepreneur was held captive in a 7 million euro kidnapping plot. In January, David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, was also abducted from his home. These cases underscore the escalating danger faced by individuals involved in the crypto industry. While law enforcement investigates these attacks and seeks to improve security measures, the industry itself grapples with the inherent vulnerabilities of offline crypto holdings and the need for robust physical security practices to protect individuals and their families. The incident involving the Noizat family serves as a stark reminder of these risks, prompting calls for heightened awareness and proactive security measures within the cryptocurrency community.
