Key Facts
• June 3: Suspect arrested in Morocco for violent cryptocurrency-related kidnappings in France.
• Suspect: Badis Mohamed Amid Bajou, 24, dual French-Moroccan citizen from Paris suburbs.
• Charges: Extortion with firearms, group kidnappings; listed on Interpol’s Red Notice.
• January 2025: Crypto wallet co-founder David Baran and wife kidnapped; ransom €10M demanded.
• Baran’s finger was severed; later rescued by French police.
• May 2025: Attempted abduction of Paymium CEO’s daughter in Paris; thwarted by bystanders.
• Seized items: Knives, dozens of phones, communication devices, and suspected crime-related cash.
• French Justice Minister thanked Morocco for “excellent judicial cooperation.”
• Suspect linked to violent incidents since January 21, 2025, targeting cryptocurrency figures.
Summary
Badis Mohamed Amid Bajou, a 24-year-old dual French-Moroccan citizen, was arrested in Morocco on June 3 for allegedly masterminding a series of violent kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency figures in France. Bajou, listed on Interpol’s Red Notice, faces charges including extortion with firearms and group kidnappings. Key incidents include the January 2025 abduction of crypto wallet co-founder David Baran and his wife, during which a €10 million ransom was demanded, and Baran’s finger was severed. In May 2025, Bajou was also linked to an attempted kidnapping of the Paymium CEO’s daughter in Paris, which was foiled by bystanders. Moroccan authorities seized knives, communication devices, and cash suspected to be linked to crimes. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin praised Morocco’s judicial cooperation in the case. Bajou’s involvement in cryptocurrency-related violence since January 2025 remains under investigation.
