Crypto Security Crisis: Eric Larchevêque’s Fury After Violent Paris Kidnapping Attempt
Eric Larchevêque, a towering figure in the cryptocurrency world and co-founder of leading hardware wallet firm Ledger , has issued a furious public denouncement following another violent kidnapping attempt targeting France’s crypto community. His “coup de gueule,” or outburst, underscores a growing climate of fear among digital asset entrepreneurs in the country , who feel increasingly vulnerable. This is not seen as a series of isolated incidents but rather a targeted criminal strategy against the perceived wealth within the crypto sector, as evidenced by multiple similar attacks. Given Larchevêque’s prominence, his outcry amplifies the anxieties of the entire French crypto ecosystem and places significant pressure on authorities to act.
Wave of Attacks Shakes French Crypto Elite
A surge in violent crimes targeting individuals connected to the cryptocurrency industry has left many in France’s burgeoning tech scene on edge. These brazen acts, often involving demands for cryptocurrency ransoms, highlight a disturbing trend.
Latest Outrage: Brazen Daylight Abduction Attempt Rocks Paris
The most recent incident to ignite widespread alarm was a violent attempted kidnapping on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Paris. The targets were the daughter and grandson of the CEO of Paymium, a well-established French cryptocurrency exchange platform. This deliberate targeting of an executive’s family members suggests a calculated criminal tactic aimed at maximizing psychological pressure.
According to police sources, four masked individuals in a van ambushed the family. The woman’s husband intervened and was reportedly beaten with blunt objects. In a remarkable act of courage, the mother managed to seize a handgun from one of the assailants, which later turned out to be an airsoft gun, and threw it away. The family’s screams eventually attracted passersby, causing the attackers to flee. The brazen, daylight nature of this assault in a major European capital has significantly amplified the sense of insecurity within the community. If such an attack can occur so openly, many are left wondering where they can possibly feel safe.
A Disturbing Pattern: Ledger Co-Founder’s Ordeal Recalled
This latest attack is chillingly reminiscent of the kidnapping of David Balland, another Ledger co-founder and an associate of Larchevêque, along with his partner in January 2025. That incident was marked by extreme brutality; Balland reportedly had a finger severed by his captors, who demanded a ransom in Bitcoin. Larchevêque himself was profoundly affected by his associate’s ordeal, describing it as a “very strong shock”.
This personal proximity to such violence undoubtedly fuels Larchevêque’s current public outrage. He is not merely an observer but someone who has witnessed the direct impact of these threats on his close circle. Furthermore, the recurring demand for ransoms in cryptocurrency directly links these violent crimes to the victims’ professional sphere. This creates a vicious cycle, potentially encouraging more criminals to target crypto holders due to the (often mistaken) perception of untraceable fund transfers. For Larchevêque, whose company Ledger is dedicated to securing crypto assets, this trend is a particularly bitter irony and a threat to the ecosystem’s legitimacy.
Larchevêque’s “Coup de Gueule”: A Crypto Pioneer Demands Action
Known for his outspokenness, Eric Larchevêque has not minced words in expressing his profound frustration with what he perceives as an escalating security crisis for crypto entrepreneurs in France. His recent statements carry a palpable sense of abandonment and serve as a stark warning about the potential exodus of talent and capital if the situation is not urgently addressed.
“Stop the Mexicanization of France”: A Stark Warning
In a direct and visceral reaction to the May 13th attempted kidnapping of the Paymium CEO’s family, Larchevêque took to X (formerly Twitter), posting: “Halte à la mexicanisation de la France. Depuis plusieurs mois, les affaires sordides d’enlèvements et de tentatives d’enlèvement se multiplient. En plein jour. En plein Paris. Sous les yeux de tous. Ce matin encore, une mère de famille de 34 ans, accompagnée de son enfant de…” (Stop the Mexicanization of France. For several months, sordid cases of kidnappings and attempted kidnappings have been multiplying. In broad daylight. In the heart of Paris. In front of everyone. This morning again, a 34-year-old mother, accompanied by her child…).
The term “Mexicanization” is a deliberately provocative choice, often used to describe escalating, cartel-like violence and a perceived breakdown of state control in ensuring citizen security. By employing such strong language, Larchevêque aims to shock the public and authorities into recognizing the gravity of the crisis, implying the situation is nearing a critical tipping point and demanding immediate, decisive action. His emphasis on the attacks occurring “En plein jour. En plein Paris. Sous les yeux de tous” underscores a damning perception of criminal impunity and a failure of law enforcement to deter these brazen acts.
Fears for Entrepreneurs and France’s Future as Tech Hub
Larchevêque’s concerns extend beyond immediate physical safety to the long-term health of France’s innovation ecosystem. In comments reportedly made on French television channel M6, he questioned the country’s ability to retain its brightest minds: “Combien d’entrepreneurs, combien de talents, réfléchissent sérieusement à quitter un pays qui ne protège plus les siens? Combien sont déjà partis, en silence, par lassitude, par peur, par résignation?” (How many entrepreneurs, how many talents, are seriously thinking about leaving a country that no longer protects its own? How many have already left, in silence, out of weariness, fear, or resignation?).
This poignant question links the security crisis directly to a potential brain drain, which could severely damage France’s ambitions to be a leading European hub for technology and cryptocurrency businesses. The fear is not just personal; it carries significant economic implications. Investment and innovation thrive in stable and secure environments. His phrase “partis, en silence” further suggests the problem might be more widespread than officially acknowledged, with many choosing to relocate quietly rather than publicly protest, making the true extent of this talent flight difficult to quantify until it’s potentially too late.
Authorities Vow to Tackle Crypto Crime Surge
In response to the alarming string of kidnappings and the vocal concerns voiced by figures like Larchevêque, the French government has signaled its intent to act. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced he would convene an emergency meeting with cryptocurrency professionals to address their security concerns. The meeting was reportedly scheduled for the Friday following the Tuesday kidnapping attempt.
Minister Retailleau stated his aims were to “work with them on their security,” “make them aware of the risks,” and “jointly take measures to protect them.” He also vowed that authorities would find the perpetrators, “perhaps even abroad,” acknowledging the potential international dimension of these crimes. Indeed, Retailleau officially acknowledged a pattern, stating this was the “third case of an attempted or successful kidnapping this year, and that all of them are likely linked”.
While this governmental response is a step towards addressing the crisis, it appears largely reactive, spurred by the escalating violence and high-profile public pressure. The comment about pursuing criminals “abroad” also hints at the inherent complexities of policing crypto-related crime, which frequently transcends national borders. The challenge for French authorities will be to implement robust security measures that genuinely protect individuals without inadvertently stifling the growth and innovation of the very industry they are trying to safeguard, a delicate balance crucial for France’s tech future. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether effective solutions can be found to restore a sense of security to France’s increasingly targeted crypto entrepreneurs.
