March 16 2026
Moroccan police have arrested a dual French-Moroccan man wanted for alleged involvement in a series of kidnappings in France targeting individuals with cryptocurrency holdings, Reuters reported on June 4, citing a source with knowledge of the matter.
The suspect, Bajjou Badiss Mohamed AmiDe, is 24 years old and was under an Interpol red notice issued by French authorities. He faces charges of organized crime, kidnapping and extortion. Due to his dual nationality, he will be prosecuted in Morocco; French prosecutors have already sent the necessary case files to their Moroccan counterparts.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed the arrest in a social media post and thanked Moroccan authorities, but did not comment further on the case.
Moroccan officials have confirmed that the suspect will not be extradited and that he will be tried locally on the charges filed by France.
The arrest follows a wave of violent attacks on crypto entrepreneurs in France, leading to the implementation of emergency protections by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau.
On May 16, it was reported that the government has begun offering private security consultations and home assessments to individuals deemed at risk.
Retailleau, who has spoken privately with crypto founders, said the goal is to put an end to what he describes as “intolerable” attacks.
According to Éric Larchevêque, co-founder of Ledger, France has experienced 14 of the total 50 known global attacks on cryptocurrency figures in the past year.
Recent incidents include the January kidnapping of a Larchevêque employee and an attempted kidnapping of Paymium's daughter on May 14 CEO Pierre Noizat in Paris, captured on video.
In another case, police arrested seven suspects after finding a victim with a severed finger. Noizat warned that more violence will occur unless the judiciary reacts more quickly.
The Interior Ministry’s actions are aimed at preventing further escalation as France seeks to maintain its position as a center for digital finance. Bajjou’s trial will continue under Moroccan jurisdiction.
Why was Bajjou Badiss Mohamed AmiDe arrested?
He was arrested for his alleged involvement in a series of kidnappings in France targeting people with cryptocurrency holdings.
What charges have been filed against him?
He is accused of organised crime, kidnapping and extortion, and will be prosecuted in Morocco.
What is the French government doing to combat such attacks?
The French government has implemented emergency protections, including offering private security and home assessments to individuals deemed at risk.
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