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French 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.

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Sydney Morning Herald

Millionaire crypto boss rescued from kidnappers – but not in time to save his finger

Ledger founder David Balland and his wife were freed after a 48-hour police search across France.

2 months ago·Sydney, Australia

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HuffPost

Millionaire Crypto Boss And Wife Rescued From Kidnappers In France

David Balland and his wife, Amandine, were abducted from their home in Vierzon. They both survived the ordeal, but Balland is missing part of his finger.

2 months ago·United States

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Coin Desk

Ledger Co-Founder's Kidnapping Highlights Threat of Crypto Robberies

David Balland and his wife were rescued in a police operation involving elite units, Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said.

2 months ago·Manila, Philippines

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De Telegraaf

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.

2 months ago·Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Liberation

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.

2 months ago·Paris, France

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WTVB

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…

2 months ago

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