French police arrest seven after brutal kidnapping of cryptocurrency entrepreneur
French authorities have detained seven individuals following the violent abduction of David Balland, co-founder of cryptocurrency security firm Ledger.
French authorities are holding six men and a woman following the kidnapping and torture of the co-founder of a global cryptocurrency company and his partner.
The seven – who could face long prison terms up to life – are among 10 people who were taken into custody late Thursday as anti-gang investigators probe the case.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said that David Balland, the 36-year-old co-founder and former employee of Ledger – a world leader in security systems for crypto and digital assets – and his partner were taken from his home in Mereau in the Loire region early Tuesday.
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Another Ledger co-founder, Eric Larcheveque, reportedly alerted police to the kidnapping after receiving a video showing a mutilated finger belonging to Balland, and a ransom demand.
Police located and freed Balland on Wednesday, and he was taken to hospital for treatment.
His partner – taken to a different location by the presumed kidnappers – was found tied up in a car.
Crypto assets seized
Three others initially held have been released.
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