Latest news with #AlexandreAimonino
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Crypto Weekly: Attack anger and Coinbase's cyberattack fallout
STORY: From anger in France... To a DoJ investigation into Coinbase. This is Crypto Weekly. :: Crypto Weekly :: Fear and anger in France French crypto bosses have reacted with fear and anger after a series of violent kidnappings. Some have stepped up security, while others are calling for a tougher crackdown. As well as deregulation to keep the crypto paper trail more anonymous. In the latest incident on May 13, a masked gang tried to abduct the daughter of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of the French crypto firm Paymium. The recent attacks have led some crypto execs to take extra security measures. Alexandre Aimonino is cofounder of cryptocurrency compliance firm Seqlense. "I don't go to certain crypto meetings anymore where I had the habit to go before. I try to park as close as possible to the destination when I have to go somewhere; that's this kind of security measure. When I go home, I never take the same road or the same path. Just to avoid being followed by anyone. :: Hong Kong's stablecoin bill Hong Kong has passed a stablecoin bill that establishes a licensing regime for fiat-referenced stablecoin issuers in the city. Any person who issues stablecoins in Hong Kong - or issues stablecoins backed by Hong Kong dollars, whether within or outside the city - must obtain a license. Hong Kong has been stepping up efforts to enhance the city's competitiveness as a global digital asset hub. Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a constant value, usually pegged to a currency. And are commonly used by crypto traders to move funds between tokens. :: Bitcoin's recovery The price of Bitcoin rose to its highest level on record on Wednesday, eclipsing the previous high from January. On Thursday it rose for the fifth-straight session reaching $111,862. The world's most valuable cryptocurrency is recovering from the tariff-induced selloff last month. :: Coinbase cyberattack The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a probe into a recent breach at the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Global. The company said it expects a hit of up to $400 million from the cyberattack. Last week it said it received an email from an unknown threat actor on May 11. They claimed to have information about certain customer accounts as well as internal documents.
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Fear, anger in France's crypto community after spate of kidnappings
AFTER watching frightening images of a prominent French crypto boss' daughter being attacked on a Paris street during a botched kidnapping, crypto executive Alexandre Aimonino finds solace in the changes he has made to his daily routine. To stay safe, the 23-year-old co-founder of a crypto compliance software company avoids public transport, skips industry get-togethers and varies his drive home. "Working in the ecosystem feels like having a target on your back," Aimonino told Reuters. French crypto bosses have reacted with fear and anger after a series of violent kidnappings. While some have stepped up security and are considering bodyguards, others are calling for the right to bear arms, a tougher crackdown on crime plus deregulation to keep the crypto paper trail more anonymous. On Tuesday, a masked gang tried to abduct the daughter of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of the French crypto firm Paymium, from a street in Paris in broad daylight. It was at least the third such attack in recent months. In January, the co-founder of French crypto company Ledger and his wife were kidnapped, while in May the father of a crypto company head was snatched. All were rescued but both men lost a finger. A ransom in cryptocurrency was paid during the kidnapping of the Ledger co-founder, but quickly recouped by investigators. Details are murky about the gangs behind the attacks, though authorities have said 10 people were questioned after the Ledger attack and seven people were arrested following the first kidnapping in May, with two released for having no connection. The Paris prosecutors' office did not respond to detailed questions from Reuters. The rapid rise in the price of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in recent years has created a new group of wealthy investors. Security experts interviewed by Reuters said criminals could be tempted by investors posting evidence of their new wealth, as well as the perception that crypto is easier to launder than cash. Cryptocurrency has long been demanded as ransom in hacks and cyberattacks, and regulators around the world are trying to crack down on crypto's use by criminals. "Crypto transactions are more likely to escape the level of scrutiny applied to traditional banking systems," said Michael Lyons, a lawyer specialising in anti-money laundering at Clifford Chance. For some, the attacks are a symptom of France's growing violent crime problem. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau met with some crypto bosses on Friday, offering "full mobilisation of public authorities" to prioritise access to emergency police services and offer security checks of homes. One of those present, another Ledger co-founder Eric Larcheveque, said the attacks could cause people in crypto to leave France and asked for more legal protection for those acting in self-defence including the right to carry guns. Noizat's company Paymium suggested deregulation could provide founders with more security. In a statement on Wednesday, Paymium criticised European regulations like the international "travel rule" which requires data to be collected about the source and recipient of crypto transfers. Some crypto bosses are taking measures into their own hands. Thomas Rossi, who runs bodyguard company Wagram in Paris, said he had many new requests after Tuesday's attack. Sofiane Aboubeker, CEO of French security company ARECIA, also said he had seen an increase in requests for protection. Ben Davis, who runs an insurance brokerage in the UK for crypto clients, said that while France was facing a particular wave of attacks, there had also previously been incidents in the United States, elsewhere in Europe, and around Asia. "Two years ago, kidnap and ransom wasn't really a big problem. No one really wanted to talk about it. Now 100 per cent of our clients are talking about it," he said. Davis, also a crypto investor, said he has taken steps to increase his own security, but declined to give details: "These attacks are again becoming more gruesome, more brazen."
The Star
16-05-2025
- The Star
Fear and anger in France's crypto community after spate of kidnappings
PARIS (Reuters) -After watching frightening images of a prominent French crypto boss' daughter being attacked on a Paris street during a botched kidnapping, crypto executive Alexandre Aimonino draws reassurance from changes he has made to his daily routine. To stay safe, the 23-year-old co-founder of a crypto compliance software company avoids public transport, skips industry get-togethers and varies his drive home. "Working in the ecosystem feels like having a target on your back," Aimonino told Reuters. French crypto bosses have reacted with fear and anger after a series of violent kidnappings. While some have stepped up security and are considering bodyguards, others are calling for a tougher crackdown on crime plus deregulation to keep the crypto paper trail more anonymous. In the latest incident on Tuesday, a masked gang tried to abduct the daughter of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of the French crypto firm Paymium. The incident, in broad daylight, went viral after it was filmed by onlookers. It was at least the third such attack in recent months. In January, the co-founder of French crypto company Ledger and his wife were kidnapped in central France, while in May the father of a head of a crypto company was snatched in Paris. Although all were rescued, both of the men lost a finger. A ransom in cryptocurrency was paid during the kidnapping of the Ledger co-founder, but quickly recouped by French investigators. Details are murky about the gangs behind the attacks, though authorities have said 10 people were questioned after the Ledger attack and seven people were arrested following the first kidnapping in May, with two released for having no connection. The Paris prosecutors' office said the organised crime unit of Paris police was investigating Wednesday's attack. The prosecutors did not respond to detailed questions from Reuters. Though a small part of global financial markets, the rapid rise in the price of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in recent years has created a new group of wealthy investors. Security experts interviewed by Reuters said that criminals could be tempted by investors posting evidence of new-found wealth online, as well as the perception that crypto is easier to launder than traditional cash. "Crypto transactions are more likely to escape the level of scrutiny applied to traditional banking systems," said Michael Lyons, a lawyer specialising in anti-money laundering at Clifford Chance. 'GRUESOME, BRAZEN' Cryptocurrency has long been demanded as ransom payments in hacks and cyberattacks, and regulators around the world are trying to crack down on crypto's use by criminals. For some, the attacks are a symptom of France's growing violent crime problem. "The heart of the matter is ... whether we know how to repress crime in this country," Noizat said on BFM TV on Friday. Eric Larcheveque, a Ledger co-founder, said crime may be fuelling an exodus. "How many entrepreneurs, how many talented individuals, are seriously considering leaving a country that no longer protects its people?" he wrote on X. "How many have already left, silently, out of weariness, fear, or resignation?" French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau met with French crypto players on Friday to calm their nerves and outline measures to protect them and their families. Noizat's company, Paymium, suggested deregulation could provide founders with more security. In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Paymium criticized European regulations like the international "travel rule" - already in place in traditional financial institutions - which requires data to be collected about the source and recipient of crypto transfers. Some crypto bosses are taking measures into their own hands. Thomas Rossi, who runs Wagram, a bodyguard company in Paris, said he had many new requests after Tuesday's attack. His firm also provides security for visiting U.S. crypto executives. Sofiane Aboubeker, CEO of French security company ARECIA, also said he had seen an increase in requests for close protection. Ben Davis, who runs an insurance brokerage in the UK for crypto clients, said that while France was facing a particular wave of attacks, there had also previously been incidents in the U.S., elsewhere in Europe, and around Asia. "Two years ago kidnap and ransom wasn't really a big problem, no one really wanted to talk about it, and now 100% of our clients are talking about it," he said. Davis, who is also a crypto investor, said he has taken steps to increase his own security, but did not want to give details: "These attacks are again becoming more gruesome, more brazen, and are increasing in likelihood and severity." (Reporting by Elizabeth Howcroft, Manuel Ausloos and Lewis Macdonald in Paris, editing by Gabriel Stargardter and Andrew Cawthorne)
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Fear and anger in France's crypto community after spate of kidnappings
By Elizabeth Howcroft PARIS (Reuters) -After watching frightening images of a prominent French crypto boss' daughter being attacked on a Paris street during a botched kidnapping, crypto executive Alexandre Aimonino draws reassurance from changes he has made to his daily routine. To stay safe, the 23-year-old co-founder of a crypto compliance software company avoids public transport, skips industry get-togethers and varies his drive home. "Working in the ecosystem feels like having a target on your back," Aimonino told Reuters. French crypto bosses have reacted with fear and anger after a series of violent kidnappings. While some have stepped up security and are considering bodyguards, others are calling for a tougher crackdown on crime plus deregulation to keep the crypto paper trail more anonymous. In the latest incident on Tuesday, a masked gang tried to abduct the daughter of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of the French crypto firm Paymium. The incident, in broad daylight, went viral after it was filmed by onlookers. It was at least the third such attack in recent months. In January, the co-founder of French crypto company Ledger and his wife were kidnapped in central France, while in May the father of a head of a crypto company was snatched in Paris. Although all were rescued, both of the men lost a finger. A ransom in cryptocurrency was paid during the kidnapping of the Ledger co-founder, but quickly recouped by French investigators. Details are murky about the gangs behind the attacks, though authorities have said 10 people were questioned after the Ledger attack and seven people were arrested following the first kidnapping in May, with two released for having no connection. The Paris prosecutors' office said the organised crime unit of Paris police was investigating Wednesday's attack. The prosecutors did not respond to detailed questions from Reuters. Though a small part of global financial markets, the rapid rise in the price of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in recent years has created a new group of wealthy investors. Security experts interviewed by Reuters said that criminals could be tempted by investors posting evidence of new-found wealth online, as well as the perception that crypto is easier to launder than traditional cash. "Crypto transactions are more likely to escape the level of scrutiny applied to traditional banking systems," said Michael Lyons, a lawyer specialising in anti-money laundering at Clifford Chance. 'GRUESOME, BRAZEN' Cryptocurrency has long been demanded as ransom payments in hacks and cyberattacks, and regulators around the world are trying to crack down on crypto's use by criminals. For some, the attacks are a symptom of France's growing violent crime problem. "The heart of the matter is ... whether we know how to repress crime in this country," Noizat said on BFM TV on Friday. Eric Larcheveque, a Ledger co-founder, said crime may be fuelling an exodus. "How many entrepreneurs, how many talented individuals, are seriously considering leaving a country that no longer protects its people?" he wrote on X. "How many have already left, silently, out of weariness, fear, or resignation?" French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau met with French crypto players on Friday to calm their nerves and outline measures to protect them and their families. Noizat's company, Paymium, suggested deregulation could provide founders with more security. In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Paymium criticized European regulations like the international "travel rule" - already in place in traditional financial institutions - which requires data to be collected about the source and recipient of crypto transfers. Some crypto bosses are taking measures into their own hands. Thomas Rossi, who runs Wagram, a bodyguard company in Paris, said he had many new requests after Tuesday's attack. His firm also provides security for visiting U.S. crypto executives. Sofiane Aboubeker, CEO of French security company ARECIA, also said he had seen an increase in requests for close protection. Ben Davis, who runs an insurance brokerage in the UK for crypto clients, said that while France was facing a particular wave of attacks, there had also previously been incidents in the U.S., elsewhere in Europe, and around Asia. "Two years ago kidnap and ransom wasn't really a big problem, no one really wanted to talk about it, and now 100% of our clients are talking about it," he said. Davis, who is also a crypto investor, said he has taken steps to increase his own security, but did not want to give details: "These attacks are again becoming more gruesome, more brazen, and are increasing in likelihood and severity."
Reuters
16-05-2025
- Reuters
Fear and anger in France's crypto community after spate of kidnappings
PARIS, May 16 (Reuters) - After watching frightening images of a prominent French crypto boss' daughter being attacked on a Paris street during a botched kidnapping, crypto executive Alexandre Aimonino draws reassurance from changes he has made to his daily routine. To stay safe, the 23-year-old co-founder of a crypto compliance software company avoids public transport, skips industry get-togethers and varies his drive home. "Working in the ecosystem feels like having a target on your back," Aimonino told Reuters. French crypto bosses have reacted with fear and anger after a series of violent kidnappings. While some have stepped up security and are considering bodyguards, others are calling for a tougher crackdown on crime plus deregulation to keep the crypto paper trail more anonymous. In the latest incident on Tuesday, a masked gang tried to abduct the daughter of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of the French crypto firm Paymium. The incident, in broad daylight, went viral after it was filmed by onlookers. It was at least the third such attack in recent months. In January, the co-founder of French crypto company Ledger and his wife were kidnapped in central France, while in May the father of a head of a crypto company was snatched in Paris. Although all were rescued, both of the men lost a finger. A ransom in cryptocurrency was paid during the kidnapping of the Ledger co-founder, but quickly recouped by French investigators. Details are murky about the gangs behind the attacks, though authorities have said 10 people were questioned after the Ledger attack and seven people were arrested following the first kidnapping in May, with two released for having no connection. The Paris prosecutors' office said the organised crime unit of Paris police was investigating Wednesday's attack. The prosecutors did not respond to detailed questions from Reuters. Though a small part of global financial markets, the rapid rise in the price of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in recent years has created a new group of wealthy investors. Security experts interviewed by Reuters said that criminals could be tempted by investors posting evidence of new-found wealth online, as well as the perception that crypto is easier to launder than traditional cash. "Crypto transactions are more likely to escape the level of scrutiny applied to traditional banking systems," said Michael Lyons, a lawyer specialising in anti-money laundering at Clifford Chance. Cryptocurrency has long been demanded as ransom payments in hacks and cyberattacks, and regulators around the world are trying to crack down on crypto's use by criminals. For some, the attacks are a symptom of France's growing violent crime problem. "The heart of the matter is ... whether we know how to repress crime in this country," Noizat said on BFM TV on Friday. Eric Larcheveque, a Ledger co-founder, said crime may be fuelling an exodus. "How many entrepreneurs, how many talented individuals, are seriously considering leaving a country that no longer protects its people?" he wrote on X. "How many have already left, silently, out of weariness, fear, or resignation?" French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau met with French crypto players on Friday to calm their nerves and outline measures to protect them and their families. Noizat's company, Paymium, suggested deregulation could provide founders with more security. In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Paymium criticized European regulations like the international "travel rule" - already in place in traditional financial institutions - which requires data to be collected about the source and recipient of crypto transfers. Some crypto bosses are taking measures into their own hands. Thomas Rossi, who runs Wagram, a bodyguard company in Paris, said he had many new requests after Tuesday's attack. His firm also provides security for visiting U.S. crypto executives. Sofiane Aboubeker, CEO of French security company ARECIA, also said he had seen an increase in requests for close protection. Ben Davis, who runs an insurance brokerage in the UK for crypto clients, said that while France was facing a particular wave of attacks, there had also previously been incidents in the U.S., elsewhere in Europe, and around Asia. "Two years ago kidnap and ransom wasn't really a big problem, no one really wanted to talk about it, and now 100% of our clients are talking about it," he said. Davis, who is also a crypto investor, said he has taken steps to increase his own security, but did not want to give details: "These attacks are again becoming more gruesome, more brazen, and are increasing in likelihood and severity."
