Kidnappers of Crypto Businessman’s Father Arrested in France

French police have freed the father of an entrepreneur allegedly linked to the crypto industry. The perpetrators demanded a ransom ranging from €5 million to €7 million, according to local media.

Prosecutors stated that the kidnappers severed the hostage’s finger. Five suspects, including the driver, have been detained. The family did not pay the ransom. All those arrested are men around 20 years old. The investigation is ongoing.

The victim is known to be the father of one of the “crypto millionaires”—together with his son, they own a marketing company in Malta that provides services to crypto firms. The kidnapped man’s wife reported that they had previously received threats.

Back in January, Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife were abducted from their home in the Cher department. The perpetrators demanded a ransom of €10 million.

To expedite the payment, the criminals severed the businessman’s finger and sent a video of the act to Balland’s colleague Eric Larchevêque.