Latest news with #Tangier
CNN
2 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Suspected crypto kidnapping mastermind detained in Morocco
One of the suspected masterminds behind a string of violent kidnappings in France of people linked to the cryptocurrency trade was detained Tuesday in Morocco, France's justice minister said. Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, a 24-year-old French-Moroccan citizen from just outside Paris, was wanted by France for several crimes, including armed extortion and kidnapping as part of a criminal gang, according to the 'red notice' for him published by Interpol and Moroccan state media. French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin thanked Morocco on X for detaining the man, citing the 'excellent judicial cooperation' between the two countries. Bajjou had 'multiple bladed weapons of different sizes' in his possession when he was taken into custody, as well as 'dozens of mobile phones and communication devices' and a sum of money allegedly related to criminal activities, Moroccan state media reported. The man was apprehended, weeks after the latest kidnapping attempt in Paris, near Tangier in northern Morocco, according to CNN affiliate BFMTV. He is allegedly linked to a string of violent crimes related to crypto funds dating back to at least January 21 of this year. In January, David Balland, cofounder of a crypto wallet company, and his partner, were kidnapped in central France with their attackers cutting off one of Balland's fingers as part of a 10-million euro ($11,430,000) ransom demand. The couple were later freed by elite French policemen, according to BFMTV. Bajjou is also suspected of involvement in the May kidnapping of another man working in the crypto industry, who also had one of his fingers cut off before his release, per BFMTV. Later that month, the daughter of the CEO of French cryptocurrency platform Paymium was saved by passers-by from a daylight kidnapping attempt in Paris, with Bajjou suspected to have been involved, BFMTV reported. On May 30, 25 people aged between 16 and 23 were put under official investigation in Paris, suspected of involvement in a kidnapping in May in Paris and an attempted kidnapping in the western French city of Nantes.
CNN
2 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Suspected crypto kidnapping mastermind detained in Morocco
One of the suspected masterminds behind a string of violent kidnappings in France of people linked to the cryptocurrency trade was detained Tuesday in Morocco, France's justice minister said. Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, a 24-year-old French-Moroccan citizen from just outside Paris, was wanted by France for several crimes, including armed extortion and kidnapping as part of a criminal gang, according to the 'red notice' for him published by Interpol and Moroccan state media. French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin thanked Morocco on X for detaining the man, citing the 'excellent judicial cooperation' between the two countries. Bajjou had 'multiple bladed weapons of different sizes' in his possession when he was taken into custody, as well as 'dozens of mobile phones and communication devices' and a sum of money allegedly related to criminal activities, Moroccan state media reported. The man was apprehended, weeks after the latest kidnapping attempt in Paris, near Tangier in northern Morocco, according to CNN affiliate BFMTV. He is allegedly linked to a string of violent crimes related to crypto funds dating back to at least January 21 of this year. In January, David Balland, cofounder of a crypto wallet company, and his partner, were kidnapped in central France with their attackers cutting off one of Balland's fingers as part of a 10-million euro ($11,430,000) ransom demand. The couple were later freed by elite French policemen, according to BFMTV. Bajjou is also suspected of involvement in the May kidnapping of another man working in the crypto industry, who also had one of his fingers cut off before his release, per BFMTV. Later that month, the daughter of the CEO of French cryptocurrency platform Paymium was saved by passers-by from a daylight kidnapping attempt in Paris, with Bajjou suspected to have been involved, BFMTV reported. On May 30, 25 people aged between 16 and 23 were put under official investigation in Paris, suspected of involvement in a kidnapping in May in Paris and an attempted kidnapping in the western French city of Nantes.
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Suspected Mastermind of French Crypto Kidnappings Held in Morocco
A 24-year-old Franco-Moroccan man suspected of masterminding a series of kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs in France has been arrested in Morocco, France said. Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou was wanted by the French authorities and was the subject of an Interpol red notice for "arrest, kidnapping, false imprisonment or arbitrary detention of a hostage." The suspect was arrested in the northern Moroccan city of Tangier, according to a statement from the country's General Directorate for National Security carried by Moroccan state news agency MAP. France has been shaken by a series of kidnappings and attempted abductions targeting cryptocurrency bosses and their families in recent months, prompting one prominent crypto entrepreneur to call on authorities to "stop the Mexicanisation" of the country, AFP reported. "I sincerely thank Morocco for this arrest, which demonstrates excellent judicial cooperation between our two countries, particularly in the fight against organised crime," French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said on X. A native of Le Chesnay west of Paris, Bajjou is suspected of being one of the masterminds behind the high-profile kidnapping in January of French crypto boss David Balland and his partner, according to French daily Le Parisien. Balland co-founded the crypto firm Ledger, valued at the time at more than $1 billion. Balland's finger was cut off by his kidnappers, who demanded a hefty ransom. Last week French authorities charged 25 people, including six minors, over the series of kidnappings and attempted abductions. The crimes have become a major embarrassment for the French government and have sparked concern about the security of wealthy crypto tycoons, who have notched up immense fortunes from the booming business. In May, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau held an emergency meeting with cryptocurrency leaders, with the ministry announcing plans to bolster their security.
CNA
2 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Suspected mastermind of French crypto kidnappings held in Morocco
PARIS: A 24-year-old Franco-Moroccan man suspected of masterminding a series of kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs in France has been arrested in Morocco, French authorities said. The country has been shaken by a series of kidnappings and attempted abductions targeting cryptocurrency bosses and their families in recent months, prompting one prominent crypto entrepreneur to call on authorities to "stop the Mexicanisation" of France. Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou was wanted by the French authorities and was the subject of an Interpol red notice for "arrest, kidnapping, false imprisonment or arbitrary detention of a hostage". The suspect was arrested in the northern Moroccan city of Tangier, according to a statement from the country's General Directorate for National Security carried by Moroccan state news agency MAP. "I sincerely thank Morocco for this arrest, which demonstrates excellent judicial cooperation between our two countries, particularly in the fight against organised crime," French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said on X. Darmanin did not release further details but reposted a report in French daily Le Parisien which said authorities believe that Bajjou might have organised a series of kidnappings and abduction attempts from abroad. A native of Le Chesnay west of Paris, Bajjou is suspected of being one of the masterminds behind the high-profile kidnapping in January of French crypto boss David Balland and his partner, according to Le Parisien. Balland co-founded the crypto firm Ledger, valued at the time at more than US$1 billion. Balland's finger was cut off by his kidnappers, who demanded a hefty ransom. At least nine suspects are under investigation in that case. ANOTHER RINGLEADER? The French authorities are also probing Bajjou's possible involvement in the series of kidnappings or attempted kidnappings in May, Le Parisien said. In footage that went viral on social media, several masked men attacked a pregnant daughter of cryptocurrency entrepreneur Pierre Noizat, her husband and their child in broad daylight in the French capital's hip 11th district in mid-May. The attackers fled after the family put up resistance and a local attacked the men with a fire extinguisher. In early May, attackers also abducted a crypto-millionaire's father, who was later rescued by police. According to Le Parisien, another Franco-Moroccan man in his forties is believed to be behind the kidnapping plots. He remains at large. The Morocco-based men are thought to have been recruiting youngsters online to carry out criminal offenses in France. French authorities have made a series of arrests but the suspects detained until now are thought to have been those involved in carrying out the abductions or in logistics. Last week, French authorities charged 25 people aged between 16 and 23 in connection with the kidnappings and attempted abductions. Most of the suspects were born in France and others in Senegal, Angola and Russia. The crimes have become a major embarrassment for the French government and have sparked concern about the security of wealthy crypto tycoons, who have notched up immense fortunes from the booming business.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
F1 could finally return to Africa. Here's how
Morocco is planning a $1.2 billion project near Tangier, including a Grade 1 circuit, to host Formula 1 and MotoGP races, potentially as early as 2027. The project, designed by ex-McLaren and Lotus team principal Eric Boullier, aims to create a "mini-Abu Dhabi" with a theme park, shopping mall, and marina. The Moroccan project has already secured $800 million in private investment and awaits final approval at the highest government level. South Africa (Kyalami or Cape Town) and Rwanda have also expressed interest in hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix, with F1 seeking to return to Africa for the first time since 1993. F1 boss Stefano Domenicali and Lewis Hamilton have emphasised the importance of hosting a race in Africa, making the Moroccan project a strategic opportunity for the sport.
