Kidnappers release the co-founder of crypto startup Ledger

Source Cryptopolitan

David Balland, the co-founder of Ledger, a French crypto wallet startup, has been freed after being abducted from his home in central France, according to a Jan. 23rd report by Bloomberg.

The Paris prosecutor’s office reportedly confirmed that David was kidnapped early Tuesday morning. He was released late Wednesday following a high-stakes police operation. The kidnappers demanded a ransom in crypto.

Ledger is best known for producing hardware wallets that safeguard crypto assets. The company raised €100 million in 2023, pushing its valuation to €1.3 billion, and remains headquartered in Paris.

While David stepped back from day-to-day operations at the company years ago, his ties to Ledger were strong, with a key role in the startup’s factory operations in Vierzon.

Details of the kidnapping are as chilling as they are surreal. The report said that David was taken from his residence in central France under the cover of darkness. He was held captive at an undisclosed location after being transported in a car to another site.

The kidnappers made their demands shortly after taking David, exploiting the pseudonymous nature of blockchain technology to mask their tracks.

The Paris prosecutor’s office refrained from disclosing the exact sum demanded. Authorities acted quickly, leading an extensive operation to reportedly secure David’s release. He was freed late Wednesday night and is under medical care right now.

According to Bloomberg, the authorities have also not revealed whether any ransom was paid or arrests were made in connection to the case.

A Step-By-Step System To Launching Your Web3 Career and Landing High-Paying Crypto Jobs in 90 Days.

Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
placeholder
What Crypto Whales are Buying For May 2025Crypto whales are making bold moves heading into May 2025, and three tokens are standing out: Ethereum (ETH), Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET), and Onyxcoin (XCN).
Author  Beincrypto
Apr 21, Mon
Crypto whales are making bold moves heading into May 2025, and three tokens are standing out: Ethereum (ETH), Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET), and Onyxcoin (XCN).
placeholder
Gold price snaps selling off after fresh Trump comments on tariffsGold price (XAU/USD) is turning positive, recovering above the $$3,300 level at the time of writing on Thursday after two days of firm selling pressure since it topped at $3,500 on Tuesday.
Author  FXStreet
Apr 24, Thu
Gold price (XAU/USD) is turning positive, recovering above the $$3,300 level at the time of writing on Thursday after two days of firm selling pressure since it topped at $3,500 on Tuesday.
placeholder
Gold price surges past $3,300 on trade jitters, yield slump reviving haven demandGold price snapped two days of losses on Thursday and rose $50, or more than 1.50%, amid renewed concerns about the US-China trade war.
Author  FXStreet
Yesterday 03: 51
Gold price snapped two days of losses on Thursday and rose $50, or more than 1.50%, amid renewed concerns about the US-China trade war.
placeholder
Gold price consolidates in a range; bulls have the upper hand while above $3,300Gold price (XAU/USD) struggles to capitalize on the previous day's move higher and oscillates in a narrow trading band during the Asian session on Friday amid mixed fundamental cues.
Author  FXStreet
Yesterday 03: 53
Gold price (XAU/USD) struggles to capitalize on the previous day's move higher and oscillates in a narrow trading band during the Asian session on Friday amid mixed fundamental cues.
placeholder
Gold edges down amid clash over status of US-China trade talksGold price is on the back foot on Friday, almost erasing all of Thursday’s gains, and looks set to close off this week in the red.
Author  FXStreet
20 hours ago
Gold price is on the back foot on Friday, almost erasing all of Thursday’s gains, and looks set to close off this week in the red.
goTop
quote