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

A volunteer moderator of a cryptocurrency forum has gone into hiding with his family after surviving an alleged kidnapping attempt, according to a report by Quebec’s La Presse.

The suspects reportedly targeted the man, believing he held millions in Bitcoin (BTC). Instead, he claims his holdings were closer to $10,000.

According to La Presse, the incident began in early November when two masked men approached his home. Days later, while driving his daughter to daycare, he noticed hooded individuals in a black vehicle near his residence.

A confrontation followed, leading to the arrests of four suspects. Among them were two minors who allegedly planned to kidnap and torture the man to obtain his cryptocurrency wallet password.

Conspiracy to kidnap

The suspects, who have no prior criminal record, were charged with conspiracy to kidnap and firearm offenses. 

They were released on house arrest pending trial, scheduled for March. Meanwhile, police advised the man to relocate due to connections between the suspects and organized crime.

The father of four now moves between temporary residences to ensure his family’s safety. Adding to his challenges, Quebec’s Youth Protection Department has been involved due to concerns about his children’s security.

This isn’t the first high-security crypto-related incident in Canada. Last November, the body of 25-year-old cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi, 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, Dean Skurka, CEO of WonderFi, was abducted in downtown Toronto during rush hour. He was later released after a $1 million ransom was paid electronically.