Kidnapped dad of crypto businessman freed from ransom attempt: Report
A crypto entrepreneur's father was rescued by police in Paris after being held for ransom during a raid that led to five arrests. The kidnappers demanded between 5 million and 7 million euros (up to $7.9 million) for his release. The victims co-owned a crypto marketing firm in Malta. This incident mirrors the January 2025 kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland, who was also held for a crypto ransom. Kidnappings for cryptocurrency have become increasingly common, with notable cases including WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka, who paid a $1 million ransom in November 2024, and a Chicago family abducted for $15 million in cryptocurrencies in February 2025. Online streamer Amouranth was also targeted in a home invasion for her cryptocurrency in March 2025, resulting in four arrests.
