Suspected crypto kidnapping mastermind detained in Morocco

A suspected mastermind behind violent kidnappings in France was detained in Morocco. This information comes from France’s justice minister.

Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou is a 24-year-old French-Moroccan citizen. He is from just outside Paris and was wanted for several crimes. These include armed extortion and kidnapping as part of a criminal gang. Interpol published a “red notice” for him, which Moroccan state media reported.

French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin thanked Morocco on X for the arrest. He highlighted the “excellent judicial cooperation” between France and Morocco.

When Bajjou was arrested, he had multiple bladed weapons with him. He also possessed dozens of mobile phones and communication devices. Additionally, he had money linked to criminal activities, according to Moroccan state media.

Bajjou was apprehended near Tangier in northern Morocco. This occurred weeks after the latest kidnapping attempt in Paris, as reported by CNN affiliate BFMTV. He is linked to violent crimes involving cryptocurrency dating back to January 21 this year.

In January, David Balland, cofounder of a crypto wallet company, was kidnapped in central France. His attackers cut off one of his fingers while demanding a ransom of 10 million euros ($11,430,000). The couple was later rescued by elite French police officers.

Bajjou is also suspected of involvement in another kidnapping in May. This victim worked in the crypto industry and had one finger cut off before being released.

Later that month, passers-by saved the daughter of Paymium's CEO from a daylight kidnapping attempt in Paris. Bajjou is suspected to have been involved in this incident as well.

On May 30, authorities put 25 people aged between 16 and 23 under investigation in Paris. They are suspected of involvement in the May kidnapping and an attempted kidnapping in Nantes.