On Wednesday, January 22, a significant police operation took place in Vierzon, the headquarters of Ledger. Helicopters, specialized units, and searches fueled rumors on social media about the kidnapping of a Ledger executive. Initially, some speculated it was Éric Larchevêque, another co-founder, who quickly denied these claims.
The investigation revealed that David Balland was kidnapped from his home early on January 21, along with his partner. The victims were separated and taken to different locations by their captors, who contacted another Ledger co-founder to demand a ransom in cryptocurrencies.
A first intervention in Châteauroux by the GIGN located and freed David Balland on the afternoon of January 22. After 24 hours of captivity, he suffered hand mutilation from his captors, who sought to pressure his family. He was hospitalized post-rescue, while his partner was also freed the night of January 22-23, unharmed but needing medical follow-up due to trauma.
