Ledger Co-Founder Freed After Hostage Ordeal in France

In a shocking incident, a co-founder of Ledger, the renowned cryptocurrency hardware wallet company, was kidnapped from his home in Cher, France, on the morning of January 21. The assailants transported the victim, identified as Nicolas Ballan, to another location where he was held hostage. The kidnappers demanded a substantial ransom in cryptocurrency for his release, though the exact amount has not been disclosed by the Paris prosecutor’s office.

On January 22, French police, with support from the National Cyber Unit, successfully freed Ballan in an operation that led to his immediate hospitalization. Authorities have refrained from revealing further details, including whether any ransom was paid, citing an ongoing investigation.

Rumors and Other Incidents

Prior to Ballan’s rescue, rumors circulated on social media platform X about the alleged kidnapping of another Ledger co-founder, Eric Larchevêque. These claims were debunked when a source close to Larchevêque confirmed his safety.

This incident underscores the rising threat of crimes targeting individuals in the cryptocurrency industry. In a related case, authorities in Karachi, Pakistan, recently reported the abduction of a cryptocurrency trader who was forced to surrender over $340,000 worth of digital assets.

As the investigation continues, the episode highlights the critical need for heightened security and vigilance in the cryptocurrency sector.

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