Ledger Co-Founder Rescued After Ransom Kidnapping

According to PANews, David Balland, co-founder of the renowned French cryptocurrency company Ledger, and his wife were successfully rescued following a kidnapping incident on January 23. The kidnappers demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency, part of which was paid but later tracked and frozen. The incident began on January 21 when the Balland couple was abducted from their home in the Cher department of France and taken to separate locations. The kidnappers contacted another Ledger co-founder to demand the ransom, which was partially paid in cryptocurrency. The French Gendarmerie's special forces unit, GIGN, intervened and rescued Balland on January 22, subsequently locating his wife the following day. During the ordeal, Balland sustained a hand injury and is currently receiving medical treatment, while his wife, unharmed physically, is under psychological care. Police have arrested ten suspects, aged between 20 and 40, most of whom have prior criminal records. If convicted, the kidnappers could face life imprisonment. Ledger CEO Pascal Gauthier expressed gratitude for the swift action by law enforcement and emphasized plans to further enhance security measures.