French Crypto Pioneer and Wife Rescued After Violent Kidnapping

David Balland, cofounder of Ledger, and his wife were freed by French authorities after being abducted and tortured for ransom in cryptocurrency.

• David Balland, cofounder of crypto security firm Ledger, and his wife were kidnapped from their home in Méreau, France on Tuesday morning.
• The kidnappers demanded a significant ransom in cryptocurrency and sent a video of Balland's mutilated finger as proof of their threats.
• French authorities, including over 230 gendarmes and the GIGN, conducted a multi-location operation, rescuing Balland in Châteauroux and his wife, found bound in a car trunk in Étampes.
• Ten suspects, aged 20 to 40, have been arrested, with seven facing potential charges for organized kidnapping, torture, and extortion.
• Most of the ransom was recovered and frozen, and investigations continue to identify any potential masterminds behind the crime.

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