Authorities confirmed the safe return of David Balland, a notable figure in the cryptocurrency landscape, and his wife, after a two-day ordeal.
French Crypto Pioneer and Wife Rescued from Kidnappers
French Crypto Pioneer and Wife Rescued from Kidnappers
David Balland and his spouse were liberated after an extensive manhunt, as authorities detain ten suspects involved in the kidnapping.
Following their abduction from their home in central France, an intense 48-hour search conducted by more than 230 investigators culminated in their rescue, while investigators continue to probe the ransom demands and allegations surrounding the case.
On January 23, 2025, David Balland, one of the co-founders of the well-known cryptocurrency security firm Ledger, was freed alongside his wife after being taken from their residence in Vierzon. The kidnapping, which began early Tuesday, saw the couple abducted, individually transported, and held captive in unknown locations. In response to the grim situation, a wide-scale investigation was launched, culminating in the couple’s safe recovery without a single shot fired.
Gen. Ghislain Réty, leader of the elite unit that orchestrated the rescue, emphasized the complexity of the case. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed that the kidnappers had reached out to another Ledger founder for a ransom demand in cryptocurrency, with details of the total sum still under investigation.
In a coordinated effort, Ledger notified the gendarmerie, France's rural policing force, who then initiated a full-scale operation. During this critical time, media outlets were cautioned to avoid disseminating information that could compromise the couple's safety.
On January 23, 2025, David Balland, one of the co-founders of the well-known cryptocurrency security firm Ledger, was freed alongside his wife after being taken from their residence in Vierzon. The kidnapping, which began early Tuesday, saw the couple abducted, individually transported, and held captive in unknown locations. In response to the grim situation, a wide-scale investigation was launched, culminating in the couple’s safe recovery without a single shot fired.
Gen. Ghislain Réty, leader of the elite unit that orchestrated the rescue, emphasized the complexity of the case. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed that the kidnappers had reached out to another Ledger founder for a ransom demand in cryptocurrency, with details of the total sum still under investigation.
In a coordinated effort, Ledger notified the gendarmerie, France's rural policing force, who then initiated a full-scale operation. During this critical time, media outlets were cautioned to avoid disseminating information that could compromise the couple's safety.
