French crypto bosses have reacted with fear and anger after a series of violent kidnappings. While some have stepped up security and are considering bodyguards, others are calling for the right to bear arms, a tougher crackdown on crime plus deregulation to keep the crypto paper trail more anonymous.
On Tuesday, a masked gang tried to abduct the daughter of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of the French crypto firm Paymium, from a street in Paris in broad daylight.
It was at least the third such attack in recent months.
In January, the co-founder of French crypto company Ledger and his wife were kidnapped, while in May the father of a crypto company head was snatched. All were rescued but both men lost a finger.
A ransom in cryptocurrency was paid during the kidnapping of the Ledger co-founder, but quickly recouped by investigators.
KYC is dangerous.
Is there something specific about France, that these attacks are all happening there?
The situation is alarming. These attacks not only affect individuals but also damage the reputation of the entire crypto industry.