Two More Suspects Arrested in Crypto Influencer Murder Case

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Jimmy Aki

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Jimmy Aki

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Jimmy has nearly 10 years of experience as a journalist and writer in the blockchain industry. He has worked with well-known publications such as Bitcoin Magazine, CCN, and Blockonomi, covering news...

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November 21, 2024 11:26 EST

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The investigation into the murder of popular crypto influencer Kevin Mirshahi has made notable progress, with Canadian law enforcement officials announcing new developments on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, following the discovery of his body in a Montreal nature park in October.

New Arrests in Montreal Crypto Influencer Murder

According to a CBC News report on Tuesday, Quebec provincial police arrested Darius Perry, 27, and Nackael Hickey, 25, in connection with the murder of Kevin Mirshahi. Both face charges of kidnapping and acting as accessories to the crime.

These arrests come after the earlier detention of Joanie Lepage, 32, who was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the same case.

The investigation into the murder began on June 21, 2024, after Mirshahi and three others were abducted from a luxury condo in Old Montreal.

While his companions were located hours later, Mirshahi’s whereabouts remained unknown until his body was discovered on October 30 in Île-de-la-Visitation Park.

Investigators suspect that the murder took place in Les Cèdres, Quebec. A burned SUV thought to be linked to the crime has also been recovered.

Kevin Mirshahi’s Crypto Involvement and Allegations

Kevin Mirshahi was an influential figure in Montreal’s cryptocurrency scene, running a private Telegram group called Crypto Paradise Island and promoting investments on Instagram and Snapchat. However, his activities were controversial.

Québec’s financial watchdog, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), banned Mirshahi and his associates from conducting securities transactions or giving investment advice in 2021.

The restrictions remained in place following his disappearance.

While Mirshahi’s followers saw him as a major figure in the crypto space, he faced accusations of fraudulent practices.

Allegations of scams and his regulatory troubles add complexity to the case.

Investigators are exploring potential links between his past cryptocurrency dealings and the circumstances surrounding his murder, although it remains unclear if any of the suspects were directly involved in his crypto ventures.

The Growing Trend of Crypto-related Crimes

The murder of Mirshahi is part of a growing trend of crimes targeting cryptocurrency influencers.

Recent incidents, including the kidnapping of WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka, reflect growing vulnerabilities within the crypto space.

In addition, Indian authorities have reported the arrest of Shailesh Babulal Bhatt for allegedly kidnapping two employees connected to BitConnect’s founder, Satish Kumbhani.

Bhatt is accused of extorting over $125 million in cryptocurrencies and cash, claiming it was an effort to recover his losses from BitConnect, a global Ponzi scheme.

The Enforcement Directorate revealed that Bhatt used these funds to purchase properties and assets, further complicating the investigation.