Crypto moderator forced into hiding after kidnapping and torture attempt: report

The volunteer moderator of a cryptocurrency forum went into hiding with his family after surviving an alleged kidnapping attempt, according to a report from Quebec’s La Presse.

The suspects reportedly targeted the man who they believed was holding millions of Bitcoin (BTC). Instead, he claims his assets are close to $10,000.

According to La Presse, the incident began in early November when two masked men approached his home. Days later, while taking his daughter to nursery, he noticed hooded people in a black vehicle near his house.

In the ensuing fight, 4 suspects were detained. Among them were two minors who allegedly planned to kidnap and torture the man to get his cryptocurrency wallet password.

kidnapping conspiracy

The suspects, who had no previous criminal record, were charged with conspiracy to kidnap and use of a firearm.

They were released under house arrest until a hearing scheduled for March. Meanwhile, police advised the man to go elsewhere due to links between the suspects and organized crime.

The father of four is now moving between temporary residences to ensure the safety of his family. To add to her difficulties, Quebec’s Youth Protection Department also became involved due to concerns for the safety of her children.

This isn’t the first high-security crypto-related incident in Canada. Last November, the body of 25-year-old cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi, who had been missing since June, was found in Montreal’s Île-de-la-Visitation Park. Authorities identified him through an autopsy, marking Montreal’s 32nd homicide of 2024 and raising concerns about violence in the crypto community.

Also in November, WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka was kidnapped during rush hour in downtown Toronto. He was later released after a $1 million ransom was paid electronically.