The four individuals demanded 20,000 euros for the release of the entrepreneur, who was released by the police and is in good health.
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Four people, suspected of having kidnapped a cryptocurrency entrepreneur, were arrested on Friday January 24 in Sainte-Savine, near Troyes in Aube, franceinfo learned on Saturday January 25 from a source close to the case. The victim, aged 30, was ambushed, according to this source. The man had an appointment in a part of the city for a professional meeting. But once there, he found himself face to face with four people, including one with whom he had a business dispute.
According to information from franceinfo, the four individuals then kidnapped the entrepreneur, demanding 20,000 euros from him for his release. The cryptocurrency creator still managed to warn a friend who alerted the police. Upon arrival, the police were able to arrest the four suspects without incident. The entrepreneur is in good health.
The Troyes public prosecutor’s office indicates on Saturday evening January 25 that an investigation was opened for “attempted extortion” and “kidnapping”, but remains cautious about the fact that there was “kidnapping with a request for payment of cryptocurrencies” . This investigation was entrusted to the Personal Protection and Negotiations Unit (CPN) of Troyes.
According to the prosecution, at this stage, there is no link with the sequestration of another cryptocurrency entrepreneur. David Balland, co-founder of the Ledger company, was kidnapped and held captive for 72 hours before being released on Wednesday January 22 thanks to the intervention of the GIGN.