[ad_1]
Twenty-five people, including six minors, were charged in Paris over a spate of kidnappings and attempted abductions of top figures in France’s cryptocurrency world, prosecutors said on Saturday.“Eighteen people have been placed in pre-trial detention, three have requested a deferred hearing, and four have been placed under judicial supervision,” the Paris public prosecutor’s office said, adding that the suspects were aged between 16 and 23.The investigation into “attempted kidnapping by an organised gang” centres on a May 13 kidnapping attempt targeting the daughter and grandson of the chief executive officer of crypto firm Paymium, carried out in broad daylight in eastern Paris.Prosecutors said the probe also covers “other unsuccessful plans”, including an initial failed attempt on the same targets the day before, and a disrupted operation near the western city of Nantes on Monday.Authorities said this week they had thwarted the Nantes abduction and detained more than 20 suspects in connection with that plot and the one targeting Paymium boss Pierre Noizat’s family.Footage of that attempted abduction shared on social media showed four masked men attacking Noizat’s daughter, her husband and their child in the French capital’s 11th district in mid-May.All three suffered light injuries and were taken to hospital. Noizat later praised his “heroic” son-in-law and a man who used a red fire extinguisher to fend off the attackers. According to a source close to the case, it was while investigating that abduction attempt that the police discovered the new plot near Nantes.Most of the suspects were born in France and others in Senegal, Angola and Russia.
‘Very young’ suspects
Among those arrested so far are suspects accused of involvement in carrying out the abductions and more senior figures believed to be involved in logistics, according to sources close to the case. Ambroise Vienet-Legue, who represents an 18-year-old suspect in the Nantes plot, described the accused as “very young”, lured by money and out of their depth.“My client admitted to being a fuse in a criminal machine” and deeply regrets it, he said.Another lawyer welcomed the court’s recognition of the defendants’ age, some are as young as 16, noting that judges had considered the protections granted to minors.The kidnappings and abduction attempts 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 alternative currency business.One prominent cryptocurrency entrepreneur urged authorities to “stop the Mexicanisation of France” a reference to kidnappings by violent organised crime groups.The spate of abductions began in January, when kidnappers seized French crypto boss David Balland and his partner. Balland co-founded the crypto firm Ledger, valued at the time at more than $1 billion.Balland’s kidnappers cut off his finger and demanded a hefty ransom. He was freed the next day, and his girlfriend was found tied up in the boot of a car outside Paris.In mid-May, interior minister Bruno Retailleau held an emergency meeting with cryptocurrency leaders, with the ministry announcing plans to bolster their security.
[ad_2]
Source link
About the author
DJ in the Sky: How a Viral Paragliding Performance Put Bir on the Map
A young DJ recently strapped on not just a harness but also a sound system, delivering a live set while paragliding at 10,000 feet over Bir, Himachal Pradesh. The video spread like wildfire across Instagram, YouTube, and X, garnering millions of views. It was more than a stunt — it was a perfect blend of adventure, creativity, and digital shareability. Why it clicked Novelty factor: Music + extreme sports = instant attention. Visual spectacle: The Himalayas in the background amplified the drama. Social-first content: The clip was optimized for vertical viewing, helping it trend on Reels and Shorts. Cultural meaning The performance wasn’t just a viral gimmick. It symbolized the fusion of youth culture — music festivals, influencer-driven experiences, and India’s booming adventure travel scene. Bir, already known as the paragliding capital of India, is now a global talking point. […]
SOFTSPUN Microfiber Cloth
Thick, Lint-Free & Streak-Free Towels for Car, Bike, Home, and More Looking for a reliable, durable, and high-performance cleaning solution for your car, bike, or home? The SOFTSPUN Microfiber Cloths (Grey, 4-Pack) are engineered for superior cleaning power with zero scratches, lint, or streaks. Whether you’re detailing your car or wiping down your kitchen counter, these multi-purpose microfiber towels offer exceptional results — every time. 🧼 What Makes SOFTSPUN Microfiber Cloths a Must-Have? ✅ Premium 340 GSM Thickness Each cloth is made with ultra-absorbent 340 GSM microfiber, making them thicker and more effective than standard towels. This high GSM ensures: Better water absorption Deeper dust trapping Enhanced polishing power More durability after washes These aren’t your average microfiber cloths — they’re built to last and perform. 🚗 Perfect for Automotive Detailing Whether you're cleaning your car, bike, or scooter, these […]
OnePlus 13R: Smarter with OnePlus AI and Lifetime Display Warranty
OnePlus 13R: Smarter with OnePlus AI and Lifetime Display Warranty The OnePlus 13R marks a significant leap forward in the mid-premium smartphone category, offering flagship-grade hardware, next-gen AI capabilities, and an industry-first Lifetime Display Warranty. Designed to empower productivity, creativity, and reliability, the 13R redefines what users should expect from a smartphone in 2025. 🧠 Revolutionary OnePlus AI Integration The standout feature of the OnePlus 13R is undoubtedly its deep AI integration. Unlike gimmicky software tricks, OnePlus AI genuinely enhances everyday interactions and performance through intelligent automation and contextual understanding. 🔍 Intelligent Search: Ask and You Shall Find With OnePlus AI’s Intelligent Search, the way users interact with their phones is reimagined. You can ask natural, conversational questions like: "What’s the dress code for Friday's dinner?""How much did I spend on groceries this month?" The AI scans across your calendar, […]
Musk-Miller patch up? Elon Musk follows Stephen Miller on X, Katie Miller stands by her husband
[ad_1] Elon Musk silently followed back Stephen Miller on X signaling rebuilding the bridges that he burned. After Elon Musk deleted the slanderous post against President Donald Trump, alleging that Trump is named in the Epstein files, Musk made some other silent peace offerings. Musk promoted Donald Trump's Truth Social post on the Los Angeles riots, and then he silently followed Stephen Miller back. Stephen Miller is the deputy chief of staff in the White House. His wife Katie Miller was the DOGE spokesperson when DOGE was working out of the White House. Now Katie Miller works full time for Elon Musk, which puts the husband-wife duo in a sticky position as they work for rivaling bosses. There were rumors that Katie Miller left her husband for Elon Musk and that before the breakup up the three were very close […]
‘Just a bunch of people having fun watching cars burn’: ABC News reporter slammed for his description of LA riots
[ad_1] ABC7 journalist Marc Brown described LA rioters as just a bunch of people having fun watching cars burn. Los Angeles ABC7 News anchor Marc Brown, during his live commentary on the Los Angeles riots, said police should not escalate their action as that would lead to a major confrontation and the situation could turn very volatile. "If you move law enforcement in there in the wrong way and turn what is just a bunch of people having fun watching cars burn into a massive confrontation of altercation between officers and demonstrators," Brown said. MAGA commentators could not believe that a journalist could describe the riots like this. "ABC News wants you to know what is happening in California isn’t a violent riot. It’s 'just a bunch of people having fun watching cars burn.' — ABC 7’s Marc Brown," one […]
‘It was wrapped in plastic’: Greta Thunberg trolled for sandwich photo amid kidnap claims. What is the truth?
[ad_1] Greta Thunberg was trolled for this photo as she was seen smiling seeing a sandwich while her pre-recorded video that she had been kidnapped was released. The photo of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, smiling at the sight of a sandwich, became the flashpoint on social media as people asked whether she was kidnapped at all, as she claimed. The Israeli foreign ministry called it a drama and posted the photo of the crew members of Madleen, the Gaza-bound aid ship -- sitting side by side while an Israeli soldier offered them bottled water and sandwiches. Greta Thunberg was also among them. But the Freedom Flotilla Coalition claimed earlier that the Israeli military attacked and unlawfully boarded the Madleen which was taking aid to Gaza. “If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters […]
Related
“Have Three Children”: RSS Chief’s Call and the Demographic Debate
In a speech marking the 100th anniversary of the RSS, chief Mohan Bhagwat urged families to have three children, arguing that India should keep its population “controlled, yet sufficient.” The remarks arrive just as India’s fertility rate drops below 2 children per woman, a modern low that aligns with global trends but has sparked debate on jobs, ageing, and social policy. Reuters The numbers behind the noise Recent estimates show India’s total fertility rate slipping under replacement level, with declines visible across communities, including Muslims. That may ease long-term population growth but raises fresh questions: can India’s economy create enough productive, high-skill jobs before the demographic dividend fades? And how does the state balance women’s workforce participation, childcare, and elder care as society ages? Reuters Why this call, why now? Proponents say a below-replacement TFR risks labour shortages in some […]
Online Gaming Regulation in India: New Law, New Rules of Play
India’s gaming sector has grown explosively in the last decade, from casual mobile titles to real-money fantasy leagues. But the line between skill-based gaming, betting, and addiction has long been blurred. Enter the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, a landmark law that seeks to clean up, regulate, and reshape the industry. What the Act says Bans real-money betting & gambling apps that promote wagering. Encourages e-sports as a recognized category, with tax breaks and infrastructure support. Introduces age-gating and parental controls to protect minors. Mandatory registration for gaming companies, ensuring accountability. Why it matters India is the second-largest gaming market by users, but regulatory uncertainty kept investors cautious. This Act provides clarity — splitting “gaming” from “gambling.” For gamers, it could mean more tournaments, better prize pools, and career paths in e-sports. For companies, a clearer compliance […]
Bharat Forecast System: How India’s New Weather Tech Could Save Lives
Weather impacts 1.3 billion lives in India — from farmers sowing crops to city dwellers braving floods. Until now, forecasts were often too broad or too late. The launch of the Bharat Forecast System (BFS) promises a revolution: hyper-local, AI-driven, 6 km resolution forecasts. Why it matters Agriculture: Farmers get accurate rainfall and drought predictions, vital for crop cycles. Disaster management: Floods, cyclones, and heatwaves can be predicted earlier, saving lives. Urban planning: Cities can prepare for flash floods, smog, or temperature surges. How it works The BFS integrates: High-resolution satellite data Machine learning models for climate prediction 6 km x 6 km grids across India, offering unprecedented local detail Benefits Farmers: Better crop planning, reduced losses. Insurance sector: More accurate risk modelling. Public safety: Early warnings for vulnerable zones. Challenges Last-mile delivery: Forecasts must reach rural communities in local […]
Modi’s Asia Double Play: Japan Now, China Next — What India Wants (and Risks)
ndia has kicked off a tightly choreographed Asia tour at a delicate moment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Tokyo first, meeting Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, before flying to Tianjin for the SCO summit hosted by China. The sequencing matters: Japan is a steadfast strategic and economic partner; China is a rival with whom India still needs a functional modus vivendi. The backdrop? Up to 50% US tariffs on Indian exports, which raise the premium on diversified trade and investment ties. ReutersAP NewsThe Times of IndiaThe Guardian Why Japan first Tokyo and New Delhi are doubling down on a “special strategic and global partnership” built over two decades. Expect deliverables in economic security (critical minerals, supply chains), high-tech collaboration, and infrastructure. Reports suggest the leaders are setting a decade-long joint vision and pushing private-sector investment goals alongside people-to-people exchanges […]
E20 Petrol in India: Green Revolution or Hidden Scam?
For the past few years, India has been pushing hard towards adopting alternative fuels and reducing its dependency on imported crude oil. One of the most talked-about initiatives is the rollout of E20 petrol, which is a blend of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol. On paper, this looks like a revolutionary step — it’s designed to reduce carbon emissions, cut down fuel imports, and boost ethanol demand that directly benefits Indian farmers. But there’s a rising question among common people: If E20 petrol contains only 80% petrol, why are we still paying the same price as regular petrol? Shouldn’t the price be lower since 20% of the mix is ethanol, which is significantly cheaper to produce compared to crude oil-based petrol? This is where many start suspecting that the promotion of E20 might not be as transparent as it seems. […]
Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder: Transit Custody Update
Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder: Transit Custody Update The shocking case of the Meghalaya honeymoon murder has taken a decisive turn as the Meghalaya Police have successfully secured seven-day transit custody of two prime suspects. These individuals—linked to the murder of an Indore-based businessman during his honeymoon—will now be transported to Shillong for further investigation. The gruesome case has sent ripples through the nation, raising questions about safety, trust, and the influence of greed and manipulation. What Happened? The victim, an entrepreneur from Indore, had recently traveled to Meghalaya with his newlywed wife for what was supposed to be a memorable honeymoon. Instead, it tragically ended in murder. Investigations suggest that the businessman was lured, drugged, and eventually murdered, allegedly with the help of his wife and accomplices. The murder was planned with chilling precision. Preliminary forensic evidence and call data records […]
Be the first to leave a comment