David Balland, the co-founder of French cryptocurrency hardware wallet company Ledger, was kidnapped alongside his wife in an incident that resulted in severe injuries to one of his hands, according to a Reuters report on Friday.
The couple was abducted from their home in central France on January 21, marking the beginning of a harrowing 48-hour ordeal.
Details have surfaced following Balland’s release earlier this week, revealing that the couple was held captive at separate locations.
According to Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the kidnappers demanded and partially received a cryptocurrency ransom.
Dramatic Police Rescue Operation
The rescue operation, led by over 90 officers from GIGN, France’s elite tactical police force, successfully freed Balland on January 22.
His wife was discovered unharmed the following day, tied up in a vehicle in the Essonne region.
Balland sustained injuries to his hand during the ordeal, though the prosecutor did not specify the extent. He is currently receiving medical treatment while authorities continue their investigation.
Ten individuals are being questioned in connection with what officials describe as a targeted crime.
Balland, who has not worked at Ledger since 2021, was released after intense efforts by law enforcement.
Ledger CEO Breaks Silence, Comments on Kidnapping
Although Balland no longer has ties to Ledger, the company’s CEO, Pascal Gauthier, commented on the kidnapping, expressing relief over the couple’s safety.
“We are deeply relieved that David and his wife have been released and are now safe,” Gauthier stated.
“We respected law enforcement requests around safeguarding critical details of the ongoing investigation and appreciated members of the press who did the same,” he added.
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