Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, a 24-year-old Franco-Moroccan man, has been arrested in Morocco after being actively sought by French justice authorities and listed on an Interpol Red Notice for alleged involvement in a series of kidnappings within the cryptocurrency sector, including the abduction of David Balland, co-founder of the cryptocurrency company Ledger.

The French Minister of Justice, Gérald Darmanin, expressed gratitude to Moroccan authorities for their cooperation in capturing Bajjou, stating that it exemplifies the effective judicial collaboration between Paris and Rabat in combatting organized crime.

A source close to the authorities confirmed Bajjou's arrest, which was initially reported by French media.

Bajjou, originally from Chesnay in the Yvelines region, was wanted under accusations of "arrest, kidnapping, sequestration, or arbitrary detention of hostages for the purpose of executing an order or condition, committed in an organized manner." This arrest comes amid a notable increase in kidnappings and attempted abductions linked to the cryptocurrency industry since January, prompting heightened vigilance from French authorities.

The case of David Balland garnered significant attention when an alarming video depicting a severed finger was sent to Eric Larchevêque, another co-founder of Ledger, alongside a substantial ransom demand in cryptocurrency.

Balland was eventually released, while his partner was found tied in a vehicle.

The ongoing judicial investigation has implicated at least nine suspects, including another alleged ringleader.

Bajjou is suspected of being one of the masterminds behind this kidnapping, which shocked the public.

He was apprehended in Tangier, northern Morocco, as confirmed by the General Directorate of National Security of Morocco, as cited by the official Moroccan news agency.

Additionally, Bajjou is reportedly wanted for having conspired from Morocco in the assault of a 56-year-old woman in Yvelines, demanding a ransom in cryptocurrency for her son’s release in 2023.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau had been in contact with his Moroccan counterpart for several days regarding Bajjou’s capture.

The suspect faces two Red Notices for provisional arrest with a view to extradition, with the Moroccan judiciary responsible for deciding on such requests.

French authorities are also investigating Bajjou’s potential involvement in a series of recent kidnappings or attempted abductions in May across Paris and its suburbs, including a dramatic attempted kidnapping in the 11th arrondissement involving the daughter and grandson of the CEO of cryptocurrency company Paymium, which gained media attention after witnesses intervened to thwart the attack.

In connection with this incident, as well as another foiled abduction near Nantes in late May, French judicial authorities have charged 25 youths, aged 16 to 23.

Earlier in January, a 56-year-old man was found in the trunk of a car near Le Mans, with reports indicating he was the father of a cryptocurrency influencer based in Dubai who frequently showcases his earnings in videos.

A "very high" ransom was reportedly demanded in that case.

On May 1, the father of another man who gained wealth through cryptocurrency was abducted in Paris by four masked men and was released two days later, with five individuals subsequently charged in that case.