In Might 2025, an tried kidnapping in Paris focused the daughter and grandchild of a crypto entrepreneur. The suspects didn’t succeed. This was the third identified kidnapping try in France this yr involving people tied to cryptocurrency.
French police are actually investigating the collection of circumstances. All three incidents concerned individuals linked to the crypto business. One case reportedly included an individual who had just lately transformed a considerable amount of digital property into fiat forex.
These occasions mark an increase in crypto violence in France. As extra people acquire wealth via digital property, their visibility could also be rising their publicity to focused assaults. Regulation enforcement has not disclosed the names of the victims however confirmed ongoing investigations into potential organized teams.
Nikolai Mushegian’s Loss of life Adopted Cryptic Posts
Nikolai Mushegian, a widely known developer within the cryptocurrency business, was discovered useless on October 28, 2022, in Puerto Rico. He was 29. Mushegian contributed to MakerDAO and co-founded Balancer Labs.
Police found his physique close to Condado Seaside in San Juan. They later dominated the reason for dying as drowning. The seaside usually sees robust currents and harmful waves. Nonetheless, officers stated they discovered no indicators of foul play.
Shortly earlier than his dying, Mushegian posted on X:
“3 possible futures for me 1) suicided by CIA 2) CIA brain damage slave asset 3) worst nightmare of people who fucked with me up until now, I am sure these are the only options.”
This message led to public hypothesis and on-line theories. Some customers claimed he had warned of hazard. Nonetheless, Puerto Rican officers stated they discovered no proof of a felony act. The seaside has been linked to different drowning circumstances previously.
Fernando Pérez Algaba Discovered Lifeless in Argentina
On July 23, 2023, native authorities in Buenos Aires recovered a crimson suitcase containing physique components. The stays had been recognized as Fernando Pérez Algaba, a 41-year-old crypto millionaire from Argentina.
Youngsters found the suitcase close to a stream in Ingeniero Budge. Inside had been the sufferer’s legs and forearm. Police later discovered his different arm, torso, and head. An post-mortem confirmed three gunshot wounds earlier than dismemberment.
Algaba had been lacking since July 18. He had rented an residence on the outskirts of the town however by no means returned the keys. The owner filed a report. His social media confirmed luxurious automobiles and journey, and he had a public profile within the cryptocurrency business.
Stories revealed he owed taxes and had points with a identified gang that demanded $40,000. Algaba additionally left a notice on his cellphone saying, “If something happens to me, everyone has been warned.” Police confirmed one arrest however haven’t disclosed additional updates.
Crypto Millionaire Mircea Popescu Died in Costa Rica
In June 2021, Mircea Popescu, a Romanian-born Bitcoin investor and author, died whereas swimming in Costa Rica. He was 41. Native studies stated he drowned off the coast. His dying stays probably the most talked-about amongst crypto millionaire deaths.
Popescu was identified for launching the Bitcoin trade Mpex in 2012. He was lively on Bitcoin boards and sometimes criticized centralized methods. The U.S. Securities and Change Fee had reportedly investigated his trade earlier than his dying.
Following the incident, entrepreneur Riccardo Spagni wrote on X:
“Mircea Popescu died last week. He was a thoroughly unlikeable person who taught me so much about Bitcoin…”
Popescu was rumored to have held greater than 1 million BTC. Nonetheless, this determine was by no means confirmed. The destiny of the funds stays unclear. His dying added to the rising listing ofcrypto millionaire deaths that increase issues concerning the dangers tied to wealth within the cryptocurrency area.