In a perplexing flip of occasions, studies surfaced claiming that Eric Larchevêque, co-founder of {hardware} pockets agency Ledger, was kidnapped. Nonetheless, these allegations look like a hoax. The rumor unfold quickly throughout crypto social media, triggering a wave of hypothesis and even the launch of a now-defunct meme coin, “Justice for Eric.”
Ledger co-founder kidnapping rumor confirmed as hoax
Stories of Ledger co-founder Eric Larchevêque’s kidnapping have been debunked, with journalist Grégory Raymond confirming he’s secure. The rumor, which claimed kidnappers demanded Bitcoin ransom, unfold quickly on social media…
— CoinNess International (@CoinnessGL) January 22, 2025
Ledger’s Founder Kidnapping Claims Spark Chaos
The story first gained traction via native French media, alleging that Larchevêque had been kidnapped and that the abductors had demanded a ransom in Bitcoin. Given Ledger’s troubled historical past, together with phishing assaults and safety considerations, the incident initially appeared believable. Nonetheless, Larchevêque, who stepped away from Ledger in 2019, made no public assertion concerning his alleged disappearance, elevating suspicions.
Including to the confusion, French crypto journalist Grégory Raymond dismissed the claims, stating, “We are able to guarantee that Eric Larchevêque just isn’t concerned within the kidnapping rumor about him. Be cautious with the knowledge that might affect an ongoing investigation.” Regardless of this assurance, the shortage of direct affirmation from Larchevêque himself has left the group unsettled.
Because the rumor spiraled, opportunistic merchants launched the “Justice for Eric” memecoin on Solana. The token briefly surged earlier than its market cap collapsed, suggesting a basic rug pull. Whereas the coin’s creator stays unidentified, its emergence underscores how shortly the crypto group monetizes important occasions.
Regardless of Raymond’s dismissal of the claims the thriller stays unresolved. If Larchevêque was not the sufferer, who was? Was this a misunderstanding or a deliberate try to mislead the general public? Till Larchevêque personally addresses the state of affairs, hypothesis will proceed to thrive within the crypto area.
