Latest news with #BNPJ
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Suspect in French Crypto Kidnappings Arrested in Morocco
A suspect allegedly behind recent high-profile crypto kidnappings in France has been arrested in Morocco, according to Maghreb Arab Press, a government-run press agency. At the request of French authorities, a joint operation of Morocco's National Judicial Police Brigade (BNPJ) and the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) took the 24-year-old French-Moroccan suspect into custody, according to a statement from Moroccan police distributed by MAP. The press agency described the man, who was identified by French press as Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, as a mastermind of the crimes. "I sincerely thank Morocco for this arrest, which demonstrates the excellent judicial cooperation between our two countries, particularly against organized crime," said French Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin in a translated statement on social-media site X. Interpol said Bajjou was sought for organized extortion, kidnapping and violence, according to a so-called "red notice" posted for the man. French authorities have already charged more than two dozen people — including six minors — in the spate of crypto kidnappings in Paris, most of them tied to the May 13 failed kidnapping attempt of the family of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of exchange Paymium. Also in May, the father of a French crypto millionaire was reportedly kidnapped in a case that was similar to the earlier seizure of David Ballard, a co-founder of crypto-wallet developer Ledger, and his wife. Kidnappers severed a finger from each of the men. After those recent cases, France's Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau hosted a meeting with people involved in crypto to discuss measures to keep them secure.
Ya Biladi
6 days ago
- Ya Biladi
French Justice Minister praises Morocco for arrest in crypto-kidnapping case
French Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin expressed his gratitude to Morocco on Wednesday and praised the excellent judicial cooperation between the two countries, following the arrest of the alleged mastermind behind a series of recent crypto-related kidnappings in France. «I sincerely thank Morocco for this arrest, which demonstrates the excellent judicial cooperation between our two countries, particularly in the fight against organized crime», the French minister wrote on his official X account. The arrest was the result of a joint security operation carried out by Morocco's National Brigade of Judicial Police (BNPJ), in coordination with the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST). The operation led to the apprehension of a French-Moroccan national suspected of involvement in kidnappings for extortion and ransom targeting cryptocurrency users, as well as in money laundering activities linked to an international organized crime network operating in France. The 25-year-old suspect was arrested in the city of Tangier as part of international security cooperation, shortly after Moroccan authorities received a formal request from their French counterparts outlining the criminal offenses allegedly committed on French territory, according to a statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN).
Ya Biladi
6 days ago
- Business
- Ya Biladi
French-Moroccan arrested in Tangier for international crypto kidnapping and money laundering
A joint security operation led by Morocco's National Brigade of Judicial Police (BNPJ), in coordination with the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), resulted in the arrest of a French-Moroccan national on Wednesday. He is suspected of involvement in kidnappings, extortion, and ransom demands targeting cryptocurrency users, as well as money laundering linked to an international organized crime network active in France. The 25-year-old suspect was arrested in Tangier as part of international security cooperation, following a formal request from French authorities outlining alleged crimes committed on French soil, according to a statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN). Searches connected to the case led to the seizure of several bladed weapons, including swords and knives, along with dozens of mobile phones and communication devices, which are currently being analyzed for digital evidence. A sum of money suspected to be tied to the suspect's criminal activities was also found. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is the subject of an international arrest warrant issued by French judicial authorities. He is accused of participating in violent kidnappings, extortion targeting cryptocurrency users, and laundering proceeds from these crimes. He has been placed in custody as part of the ongoing judicial investigation led by the BNPJ under the supervision of the public prosecutor. Given his Moroccan nationality, the legal process will follow national laws while addressing the French complaint.
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
French-Moroccan Man Arrested in Tangier for Crypto-Related Kidnapping in France
Rabat – Moroccan police arrested a 25-year-old man with dual French and Moroccan nationality on Wednesday in Tangier, suspected of being part of a network that kidnaps cryptocurrency traders and their family members and demands ransom payments for their release. Police said he is suspected of being involved in serious crimes involving kidnapping, blackmail, and money laundering connected to an international criminal network operating in France. The arrest was part of a joint operation carried out by Morocco's National Judicial Police Brigade (BNPJ) and the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST). According to a statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), Moroccan authorities made the arrest after receiving an official complaint from French law enforcement detailing the suspect's criminal activities in France. During the operation, police found a large number of weapons, including swords and knives, in the suspect's possession. They also seized dozens of phones and communication devices, which are now being examined for digital evidence. A significant amount of cash, believed to be linked to the suspect's illegal activities, was also confiscated. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man was wanted by French authorities on an international arrest warrant. He is accused of targeting individuals involved in cryptocurrency trading by kidnapping them, using violence, and demanding ransom payments. He is also suspected of helping to launder money gained from these crimes. The suspect is currently in police custody under Morocco's legal procedures. The National Judicial Police are conducting the investigation under the supervision of the public prosecutor. France is currently facing a disturbing rise in kidnappings and attempted kidnappings targeting wealthy individuals connected to cryptocurrency. Criminals are focusing on crypto millionaires and their families, often using violence to demand ransom or access to digital assets. Several recent cases show a pattern where attackers target people known to have large cryptocurrency holdings. These include tech executives, their family members, and others with public links to crypto wealth. Just last month, four masked men attempted to kidnap the daughter and grandson of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat in central Paris. France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has pledged action in response to this disturbing trend. He held a meeting with crypto businesspeople to develop better security protocols and raise awareness of risks. Tags: arrestcryptoFrancekidnap
Morocco World
22-05-2025
- Morocco World
Suspended and Prison Sentences for Hicham Jerando's Family Members
Rabat – The Ain Sebaa First Instance Court in the Casablanca region has announced prison and fine sentences, including suspended verdicts, against three family members of Hicham Jerando, a YouTuber convicted of forming a terrorist group and using social media to spread threats, false information, and incite violence. The verdict included a suspended two-month prison sentence and a fine of MAD 20,000 against Jerando's sister as well as two years in prison and a fine of MAD 40,000 against her husband, according to converging reports. Jerando's nephew also received a three-year prison sentence with a MAD 40,000 fine, the reports added. Four other suspects alleged to be involved in the case were also convicted, with two receiving three-year prison sentences, while the third suspect received two years. The fourth defendant was handed a one-year prison sentence and a MAD 40,000 fine. The suspects were facing several charges, including participation in insulting a constitutional and organized body, disseminating false allegations with the aim of infringing on privacy and defamation, as well as threats and insults against a lawyer. Earlier this month, Canadian resident Jerando received a sentence of 15 years in prison in absentia. He faced charges of creating a terrorist group that aimed to seriously disturb public order through online campaigns involving threats and manipulation on social media. The case started in March after a woman filed a complaint against Jerando, accusing him of blackmail. Morocco's National Judicial Police (BNPJ) launched an investigation, which led to the arrest of five people close to Jerando in Casablanca, including his sister. Security services believe Jerando's relatives helped him carry out his actions by providing him with digital tools and participating in the production of defamatory videos. Tags: Hicham jerandoHicham Jerando Case
