A shocking kidnapping occurred in France involving David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, who was abducted with his partner from their home. Following ransom demands, a swift rescue operation led by the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group resulted in Balland’s recovery and the arrest of multiple suspects. Investigations continue into the organized crime group responsible, with potential life sentences for the perpetrators. Both victims are receiving medical attention after their harrowing ordeal.
A Shocking Kidnapping Incident in France
An astonishing incident has recently emerged at the junction of Cher, Indre, and Essonne. In the early hours of Tuesday, January 21, David Balland, one of the co-founders of the cryptocurrency firm Ledger, was abducted from his home in Vierzon (Cher) alongside his partner. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau provided details during a press conference held on Thursday, January 23, stating that the couple was “immediately separated and taken to different locations.”
Rescue Operation and Ongoing Investigations
The kidnappers reached out to another co-founder of Ledger to demand a ransom, prompting the alerting of the gendarmerie. “As part of the negotiation led by the gendarmes, part of the ransom was paid. Almost all of these cryptocurrencies have been traced, frozen, and seized,” said the magistrate.
Swift action allowed investigators to pinpoint the site where David Balland was held in Châteauroux (Indre). On Wednesday, January 22, the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN) intervened, arresting two suspects and rescuing Balland, who required hospitalization due to a mutilation on his hand.
During the ongoing surveillance, a fourth suspect was apprehended overnight. By Thursday afternoon, the gendarmes successfully freed Balland’s partner, who was “tied up in a vehicle in Étampes” (Essonne). Although she did not sustain physical injuries, she will receive medical attention following her traumatic experience, added Laure Beccuau. This operation also led to the arrest of six additional individuals.
In total, ten suspects—nine men and one woman—are in police custody. Ranging in age from 20 to 40 and hailing from various cities, most have prior encounters with the justice system for common offenses, though not for organized crime. Over the last 48 hours, 230 gendarmes from the research sections of Bourges and Paris, the National Cyber Unit, and the GIGN have been actively engaged in the case.
Initially overseen by the Bourges prosecutor’s office, the investigation has now shifted to the National Jurisdiction for the Fight Against Organized Crime (Junalco). “Investigations are ongoing to identify all members of the criminal organization. A judicial investigation will be opened tomorrow for kidnapping and unlawful confinement in an organized group, with an order to fulfill a condition, accompanied by acts of torture or barbarity, as well as extortion with a weapon,” concluded the prosecutor. The perpetrators of these crimes could face life sentences.
In a heartfelt message on the social platform X, another co-founder of Ledger, Eric Larchévêque, expressed his “immense relief” and “deep joy” at the safe return of his friend David and his wife. He extended his gratitude and respect to the law enforcement agencies, particularly the GIGN, for their outstanding efforts and dedication. Ledger’s CEO, Pascal Gauthier, also shared his “deep relief” on the platform.
Meanwhile, the Paris prosecutor commended “the remarkable mobilization of the national gendarmerie,” as well as the “sense of responsibility” shown by journalists who “were willing to maintain silence on the facts” to prioritize the preservation of human life during the rescue operations.