Kidnapping Incident On January 23, 1978, Baron Eduoard-Jean Empain, a Belgian-French industrialist, was kidnapped in Paris. His vehicle was intercepted by armed individuals following a staged moped accident. ## Ransom Demands and Public Reaction The day after the kidnapping, a group named Armed Core Groups for Popular Autonomy claimed responsibility in a call to a radio station, a claim which police determined to be false. Simultaneously, the actual kidnappers contacted Empain's family, directing them to a train station locker. Inside, the family located Empain's identity card, a ransom note demanding 80 million francs, and his severed pinkie finger. The note indicated that additional body parts would follow if the ransom was not paid. Police instructed the family not to pay the ransom. Concurrently, law enforcement officials shared information with the media regarding reports of Baron Empain's alleged infidelities and gambling debts. A theory suggesting Empain had staged his own kidnapping to cover poker losses became prevalent in France. ## Escalation and Release After two months without the ransom being paid, the kidnappers reduced their demand by half. A rendezvous between the kidnappers and an undercover policeman, who was posing as the Baron's aide, resulted in conflict. Two officers sustained injuries, one kidnapper was killed, and another was arrested. Two days later, Empain was released on a street in southern Paris with a ten-franc note. He had been held in relative darkness for two months, which affected his ability to walk. Empain contacted his wife to inform her of his release. ## Aftermath and Perceptions Upon returning home, Empain reported a cold reception from his wife, who referenced his activities on the evening of his abduction. During his captivity, his family and the broader public had largely come to perceive Empain as dishonest. Empain expressed disappointment with his reception, stating he preferred the
