YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — The decomposed body of Kevin Mirshahi, a well-known figure in Montreal’s crypto community, was found at Île-de-la-Visitation park on Oct. 30, local media reported. Police confirmed the identity after an autopsy, marking the end of a months-long search following his reported abduction in June. The incident has raised questions, though officials have not confirmed any direct link to Mirshahi’s crypto involvement.
Decomposed Body of Kevin Mirshahi Found in Montreal. Source: Le Journal de Québec
Murder Charges Against Joanie Lepage in Connection to Kevin Mirshahi’s Death
Authorities continue investigating the circumstances around Mirshahi’s death. In August, a 32-year-old woman, Joanie Lepage, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Mirshahi’s case. According to The Gazette, while no clear motive has been released, some within the crypto community suspect potential links to financial disputes or crypto-related dealings.
Abducted Crypto Influencer Found Dead. Source: Montreal Gazette
Mirshahi previously operated Crypto Paradise Island, a private crypto investment firm, which has since attracted controversy. Though it remains unconfirmed if Lepage had any direct connection with Mirshahi’s business, some individuals on social media have accused Mirshahi of scamming them. One user, “Bibi,” alleged he lost money in dealings with Mirshahi, while other community members have expressed similar concerns, labeling him as a “scammer.”
Alleged Scam Victim Reacts to Kevin Mirshahi’s Abduction. Source: @bibizyatitz
In 2021, Québec’s Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) barred Mirshahi and two associates from operating as brokers or investment advisers. This regulatory action also prohibited him from sharing finance-related content on social media platforms. Following his abduction, the AMF extended this ban on July 4.
Spike in Crypto-Related Abductions and Murders
The discovery of Mirshahi’s body has added to a disturbing trend of violence targeting crypto executives and influencers. In recent years, similar incidents involving crypto-related crimes have been reported globally. Last week, Dean Skurka, CEO of WonderFi, was abducted in Canada and reportedly paid a $1 million ransom for his release. The kidnapping highlights a troubling pattern of criminals targeting individuals for large sums of cryptocurrency.
WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka. Source: LinkedIn
Earlier this year, in Kyiv, Ukraine, four suspects allegedly kidnapped and killed a 29-year-old crypto investor, taking $170,000 worth of Bitcoin from him.
Footage of the victim being assaulted and dragged into the vehicle. Source: Kyiv Police
In another incident in August, six Malaysian nationals were charged with kidnapping a Chinese national, demanding $1 million in Tether (USDT) as ransom.
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