Spain Arrest Suspect in 2025 Ledger Co-Founder Kidnapping Case

• Ledger co-founder David Balland was kidnapped in 2025; the suspect was arrested in Spain later.
• Kidnappers demanded €10M; Balland freed, partner tied up, showing growing crypto risks.
• Other crypto leaders, including the Binance France head, face attacks, prompting police action

The Spanish authorities arrested a suspect linked to the 2025 kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland. The arrest followed a year-long search across Europe. The case has renewed concerns about growing security threats targeting crypto executives in France and other regions.

Suspect Arrested in Ledger Kidnapping Case

Spanish authorities confirmed the arrest on March 20 in connection with the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland and his partner. The pair were abducted in central France in 2025, with kidnappers demanding a ransom of €10 million.

According to reports, Balland was freed the next day and hospitalized, while his partner was later found tied up in a vehicle. French law enforcement had already detained several accomplices, but one suspect remained at large before fleeing to Spain.

The case drew significant attention within the crypto industry due to the targeted nature of the attack.

Police Track Suspect Across Spain

The Spanish Civil Guard reported the suspect moved with accomplices through Valencia, Seville, and Cadiz, staying in rented apartments using a fourth person’s credit card. 

Authorities finally apprehended him in Benalmadena, between Marbella and Malaga, deploying a large police force due to the suspect’s dangerousness. “For their arrest, transfer, and custody at the court in Fuengirola (Malaga), a large police force was deployed due to their dangerousness,” the Civil Guard said.

This arrest comes amid a wider pattern of crypto-linked attacks across France. On May 31, authorities charged 25 people, aged 16 to 23, in a wave of kidnappings targeting crypto figures. 

Investigations focused on failed abductions, including the daughter and grandson of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat. Earlier in the same month, three masked men attempted to force them into a van in Paris’ 11th arrondissement but were thwarted by the daughter and passersby.

Security Risks for Crypto Executives Rise

Besides Ledger, other crypto executives have also been targeted. In early February, David Princay, head of Binance France, survived a home invasion. The intruders did not find him but stole two mobile phones. 

Police later traced the devices and reviewed surveillance footage. The incident added to concerns about growing physical security risks for individuals connected to the crypto industry.

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