Michaela Alvez
French authorities have successfully rescued Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife, who were kidnapped by a violent group in Vierzon, France. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that Mr. Balland was attended to by emergency services, though he requires medical treatment following the ordeal.
France’s elite National Gendarmerie Intervention Group carried out a high-stakes operation that resulted in the successful rescue of David Balland late Wednesday. His wife, who had been held captive in a town in Essonne, was freed the following afternoon.
The Paris prosecutor’s office reported that Balland and his wife were abducted by kidnappers who forced them into a car and took them to two separate locations where they were held captive.
French outlet Le Parisien revealed that the kidnappers demanded a large cryptocurrency ransom, and as part of their threat, sent a severed finger, believed to be of David Balland, to prove their seriousness.
Gregory Raymond, Head of Research and co-founder of The Big Whale, a Paris-based web3 outlet, provided confirmation and further details about the case. In a post on X, Raymond confirmed that a cryptocurrency ransom was paid to the kidnappers, but the funds were swiftly frozen remotely, preventing the criminals from accessing them.
In an earlier post on X, Raymond clarified that the rumors regarding Éric Larchevêque, co-founder of Ledger, being kidnapped were unfounded and false.
Initially, the investigation was overseen by the prosecutor’s office in Bourges. However, given the complexity of the case, it was soon transferred to the Paris Inter-specialized Jurisdiction (JIRS), as the suspects were believed to have connections to organized crime, which falls under JIRS’ jurisdiction.
According to Le Parisien, media outlets were instructed to withhold coverage of the kidnapping for 48 hours to protect the sensitive details of the case and mitigate risks to the safety of Balland and his wife.
Several individuals connected to an organized criminal group have been apprehended in relation to the kidnapping.
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Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
