According to DL News, David Balland, co-founder of France’s Ledger, was kidnapped by a criminal gang in January 2025, during which his fingers were severed and he was demanded to pay a ransom of $11.5 million in Bitcoin. Police swiftly responded, rescuing Balland and his partner, and arresting ten suspects at the scene; however, one suspect fled to Spain amid the chaos. After weeks of joint pursuit by French and Spanish authorities, the suspect was apprehended in Benalmádena, Spain. The Fuengirola court is now advancing extradition proceedings under the European Arrest Warrant framework, and French authorities have confirmed that all individuals involved have been identified and arrested.
French Ledger Co-Founder Kidnapping Case Resolved; Last Fugitive Arrested in Spain
TechFlowShare
Summary
Bitcoin breaking news: The kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland in January 2025 has been resolved. Spanish police arrested the final fugitive in Benalmadena following a joint operation with French authorities. The suspect was part of a group that severed Balland’s fingers and demanded an 11.5 million USD ransom in Bitcoin. All 11 suspects have now been identified and detained.
Source:Show original
Disclaimer: The information on this page may have been obtained from third parties and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of KuCoin. This content is provided for general informational purposes only, without any representation or warranty of any kind, nor shall it be construed as financial or investment advice. KuCoin shall not be liable for any errors or omissions, or for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information.
Investments in digital assets can be risky. Please carefully evaluate the risks of a product and your risk tolerance based on your own financial circumstances. For more information, please refer to our Terms of Use and Risk Disclosure.