ChainCatcher report, according to DL News, David Balland, co-founder of French company Ledger, was kidnapped by a criminal gang in January 2025; the attackers severed his fingers and demanded a ransom of $11.5 million in Bitcoin. Following the incident, police swiftly intervened, rescuing Balland and his partner, and arrested ten suspects at the scene, though one suspect fled to Spain amid the chaos. After several weeks of joint pursuit by French and Spanish authorities, the suspect was ultimately apprehended in Benalmádena, Spain. The Fuengirola court is currently advancing extradition proceedings under the European Arrest Warrant framework, and French authorities have confirmed that all individuals involved have been identified and arrested.
Ledger Co-Founder Kidnapping Case Resolved; Last Fugitive Arrested in Spain
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Summary
Bitcoin breaking news: The kidnapping case involving Ledger co-founder David Balland has been resolved. Spanish police arrested the final fugitive in Benalmadena following a joint operation with French authorities. Balland was kidnapped in January 2025, during which his attackers severed his fingers and demanded 11.5 million USD in Bitcoin. Police rescued Balland and his partner, arresting ten suspects. The fugitive now faces extradition under a European Arrest Warrant.
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