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.
• Confiscated items: Knives, dozens of phones, communication devices, and cash linked to crimes.
• January 2025: Crypto wallet co-founder David Baran and wife kidnapped; ransom €10M demanded.
• May 2025: Attempted abduction of CEO’s daughter in Paris thwarted by bystanders.
• French Justice Minister thanked Morocco for “excellent judicial cooperation.”
• Suspect linked to violent incidents targeting cryptocurrency figures since January 21, 2025.
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, wanted under Interpol’s Red Notice, faces charges of extortion with firearms and group kidnappings. Confiscated items included knives, phones, communication devices, and cash tied to criminal activities. Notable incidents include the January 2025 abduction of crypto wallet co-founder David Baran and his wife, where a €10 million ransom was demanded, and a May 2025 attempted kidnapping of a CEO’s daughter in Paris, which was foiled by bystanders. French authorities praised Morocco’s judicial cooperation in the case. Bajou is suspected of involvement in cryptocurrency-related violence since January 21, 2025.
