Arrest Made in Violent Kidnapping of Ledger Founder for Crypto Ransom: Report
A suspect believed to be the last outstanding participant in the January 2025 kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland has been arrested in Benalmadena, Spain. Balland and his wife were abducted from their home in Cher, France, and held for about 24 hours while kidnappers demanded €10 million in cryptocurrency. Balland was physically mutilated during captivity. French and Spanish authorities coordinated on the arrest, citing the suspect’s danger and risk of escape. Previous arrests included Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, accused as the mastermind behind Balland's and other crypto-related kidnappings in France. Physical attacks to coerce cryptocurrency, known as “wrench attacks,” have surged 75% year-over-year, with France reporting the highest number of such incidents. Recent crypto-related crimes in France have targeted both private citizens and high-profile individuals, including the CEO of Binance France and a magistrate.
