David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, a French cryptocurrency hardware wallet manufacturer, was released after being kidnapped from his home in central France on January 21. He was held until a police operation on January 22 led to his rescue. The kidnappers demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency. Ledger, founded in 2014, has raised 100 million euros in 2023 and is valued at 1.3 billion euros, employing around 700 people. Post-release, Balland is receiving medical attention. Social media buzzed with rumors about his kidnapping prior to the confirmation from authorities. Changpeng Zhao, former CEO of Binance, expressed concern on social media, while Jameson Lopp of Casa noted the unverified nature of the rumors. Notably, Ledger's security focus has positioned it strongly within the cryptocurrency sector, with over seven million hardware wallets sold and no reported hacks.

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