On January 21, 2025, French technology executive David Balland, co-founder of cryptocurrency security company Ledger, was violently kidnapped with his wife from their home. The kidnappers demanded cryptocurrency payment and reportedly mutilated Balland during the 24-hour ordeal. French National Gendarmerie conducted a successful rescue operation, freeing both victims. The incident shocked the cryptocurrency industry, with former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao and others commenting on the situation. Balland’s company Ledger, valued at 1.3 billion euros, produces hardware wallets for digital asset security. The surge in cryptocurrency values has raised concerns about the security of industry executives, highlighting the need for increased protection.
https://moneycheck.com/french-police-free-kidnapped-ledger-executive-after-day-long-ordeal/