US EditionFrench Crypto Entrepreneur and Wife Rescued After Harrowing Kidnapping
- David Balland, a co-founder of Ledger, was kidnapped at his home in Central France on January 23, 2025, and held for ransom.
- The kidnappers demanded a large ransom in cryptocurrency, but the amount and payment status were not disclosed.
- Balland and his partner were freed after extensive police work, including efforts by GIGN, France's elite tactical police unit.
- The kidnapping highlights concerns over organized crime in France, which has seen a rise in criminal activities involving cryptocurrency.
76 Articles
76 Articles
Co-founder of French crypto company David Balland kidnapped for ransom: a hostage's finger was cut off and sent to support his claim
After a manhunt involving over 230 gendarmes and over 90 members of the elite tactical unit GIGN, David Balland was liberated. Read the backgrounds on Telegraaf.nl.
Kidnapping of David Balland: seven people presented to an examining magistrate with a view to their indictment
Following the release on Thursday of the co-founder of the French cryptocurrency start-up Ledger, the Paris prosecutor's office announced the opening of a judicial investigation this Friday, January 24.
Kidnapped co-founder of French crypto firm Ledger had his hand mutilated
By Marine Strauss (Reuters) – David Balland, a co-founder of French crypto firm Ledger, had his hand mutilated while he and his wife were kidnapped, the Paris prosecutor said, adding that 10 people were being questioned following the freeing of the pair. Balland and his wife were kidnapped early on Tuesday morning from their home in central France, and were taken by car to two separate addresses where they were held captive, Paris Prosecutor Lau…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 33% of the sources lean Left, 33% of the sources are Center, 33% of the sources lean Right
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
