Crypto Executive David Balland Rescued After Horror Kidnapping

paris, france - After a intense chase involving over 230 gendarmes, David Balland was rescued following a gruesome kidnapping ordeal.

Background of the Kidnapping

On January 21, David Balland and his partner Amandine were kidnapped from their home in Méreau, France. They were threatened at gunpoint and separated, with Balland's finger being cut off to enforce the ransom demand.

Rescue Operation

After receiving a video of the mutilation, Ballands' co-founder contacted the police initiating a large-scale search involving national gendarmerie and cyber units. The GIGN special forces unit successfully rescued Balland and his wife within a day.

Suspects in Custody

Ten suspects, aged between 20 and 40, have been arrested for the kidnapping. They are mostly known to the police and have ties to drug trafficking.

Ransom and Investigation

A criminal investigation has been launched for 'kidnapping, torture, extortion with a weapon'. The ransom demanded in cryptocurrency was partially paid and the rest frozen. Authorities aim to track down all individuals involved in the kidnapping.

Company Background

Founded in 2014, Ledger is one of France's largest crypto companies, specializing in securing crypto assets through hardware wallets.

Recent Incidents

This incident comes shortly after another crypto-related kidnapping in France. The parents and sister of a crypto influencer were kidnapped on December 31, 2024, with one of the victims found 600 kilometers away, showcasing a concerning trend.