TLDR

• French cryptocurrency executive David Balland endured a violent kidnapping from his home with his wife on January 21, 2025
• Kidnappers demanded cryptocurrency payment and reportedly mutilated Balland during the 24-hour ordeal
• French National Gendarmerie successfully rescued both victims through a tactical operation
• Ledger, valued at 1.3 billion euros, is a leading manufacturer of cryptocurrency security devices
• The incident happened as Bitcoin trades near record highs around $109,000

French technology executive David Balland, who helped create the cryptocurrency security company Ledger, has survived a brutal kidnapping attempt that ended with a police rescue operation on January 22, 2025, according to statements from the Paris prosecutor’s office.

The attackers struck in darkness, forcing their way into Balland’s residence in the Cher region of central France during the early morning hours of January 21. Both Balland and his wife were taken from their home and transported to a nearby location where they were held against their will.

French newspaper Le Parisien reports the kidnappers employed extreme violence during the ordeal, including cutting off one of Balland’s fingers. Sources say the severed digit was sent to Balland’s associates as proof of their intentions and to reinforce their demands for cryptocurrency payment.

The victims’ location remained unknown for nearly 24 hours as family members and business associates grappled with ransom demands. The exact amount of cryptocurrency requested has not been disclosed by authorities, who have also not confirmed whether any payment was made.

France’s National Gendarmerie mobilized its specialized inte