Badiss Bajjou, a 32-year-old French-Moroccan national, is currently on trial in Morocco for his alleged role as the mastermind behind a series of kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency holders in France. The term 'cryptorapt' entered the lexicon of organized crime in summer 2023, referring to kidnappings where victims are forced to transfer digital assets.
According to a note from France's National Directorate of Judicial Police (DNPJ), between July 2023 and December 2025, over 50 such incidents were recorded. Bajjou was arrested in Morocco in early 2026 following a joint investigation by French and Moroccan authorities. He is accused of leading a network that kidnapped individuals and coerced them into emptying their crypto wallets.
The trial, which began on May 12, 2026, in Casablanca, has drawn significant media attention. French prosecutors have requested his extradition, but Moroccan authorities are proceeding with their own legal process. Victims have testified about being abducted and threatened with violence unless they transferred Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
This case highlights the growing intersection of traditional organized crime and digital finance. Experts note that the anonymity of cryptocurrencies makes them attractive targets for kidnappers. The trial is expected to last several weeks, with a verdict anticipated by June 2026.
