In a perplexing turn of events, reports surfaced claiming that Eric Larchevêque, co-founder of hardware wallet firm Ledger, was kidnapped. However, these allegations appear to be a hoax. The rumor spread rapidly across crypto social media, triggering a wave of speculation and even the launch of a now-defunct meme coin, “Justice for Eric.”
Ledger co-founder kidnapping rumor confirmed as hoax
Reports of Ledger co-founder Eric Larchevêque’s kidnapping have been debunked, with journalist Grégory Raymond confirming he is safe. The rumor, which claimed kidnappers demanded Bitcoin ransom, spread rapidly on social media…
— CoinNess Global (@CoinnessGL) January 22, 2025
Ledger’s Founder Kidnapping Claims Spark Chaos
The story first gained traction through local French media, alleging that Larchevêque had been abducted and that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom in Bitcoin. Given Ledger’s troubled history, including phishing attacks and security concerns, the incident initially seemed plausible. However, Larchevêque, who stepped away from Ledger in 2019, made no public statement regarding his alleged disappearance, raising suspicions.
Adding to the confusion, French crypto journalist Grégory Raymond dismissed the claims, stating, “We can assure that Eric Larchevêque is not involved in the kidnapping rumor about him. Be cautious with the information that could impact an ongoing investigation.” Despite this assurance, the lack of direct confirmation from Larchevêque himself has left the community unsettled.
As the rumor spiraled, opportunistic traders launched the “Justice for Eric” memecoin on Solana. The token briefly surged before its market cap collapsed, suggesting a classic rug pull. While the coin’s creator remains unidentified, its emergence underscores how quickly the crypto community monetizes vital events.
Despite Raymond’s dismissal of the claims the mystery remains unresolved. If Larchevêque was not the victim, who was? Was this a misunderstanding or a deliberate attempt to mislead the public? Until Larchevêque personally addresses the situation, speculation will continue to thrive in the crypto space.
Also Read: Ethereum’s 2nd Foundation: Lido Founder Denies Rumour
Source: https://www.cryptonewsz.com/ledger-founder-center-bizarre-kidnapping-hoax/