According to ChainCatcher, DL News reported that David Balland, co-founder of Ledger in France, was kidnapped by a criminal gang in January 2025. The kidnappers cut off his fingers and demanded a ransom of $11.5 million in Bitcoin. Police acted swiftly, rescuing Balland and his partner and arresting 10 suspects at the scene. However, one suspect escaped to Spain during the chaos. After a joint manhunt by Spanish and French police lasting several weeks, the suspect was finally apprehended in Bernardena, Spain.
Currently, the Fuen-Hirrella court is proceeding with the extradition proceedings in accordance with the EU's European Arrest Warrant Agreement, and French authorities have confirmed that they have identified and arrested all those involved.
