Montreal authorities have identified the body of Kevin Mirshahi, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency community, found in a Montreal park. Mirshahi, who was abducted in June from a Montreal condo, had been missing for months before his remains were discovered on October 30 at Île-de-la-Visitation Park by a passerby. The local police, as reported by The Gazette, confirmed his identity following an autopsy.
Abduction and Discovery of Mirshahi’s Body
The 25-year-old crypto influencer was last seen on June 21, when he and three others were forcibly taken from a Montreal condo. While the three other individuals managed to escape, Mirshahi’s fate remained unknown until the recent discovery. This case adds to a rising pattern of threats faced by crypto investors and influencers worldwide, who have increasingly become targets of kidnapping and extortion due to their perceived wealth.
Arrest of Suspect in Mirshahi’s Murder
In connection with Mirshahi’s death, local police arrested 32-year-old Joanie Lepage in August, charging her with first-degree murder. However, authorities have not confirmed whether the motive behind the crime is directly linked to Mirshahi’s involvement in cryptocurrency.
Mirshahi’s Involvement in the Crypto Industry
Mirshahi was known in Montreal’s crypto circles as the former owner of “Crypto Paradise Island,” a private crypto investment firm. His name surfaced in regulatory issues when Québec’s financial authority, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, banned him and two associates from acting as brokers or investment advisors in 2021. The regulator further restricted him from sharing financial content online, expanding this prohibition in July—just two weeks after his disappearance.
Growing Trend of Crypto-Related Kidnappings and Extortion
Mirshahi’s case is part of a global trend of violent crimes targeting cryptocurrency executives. Recently, WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka was allegedly abducted and forced to pay a $1 million ransom. This year alone saw a surge in crypto-related kidnappings, including a high-profile case in Kyiv, Ukraine, where suspects allegedly kidnapped and murdered a foreign crypto investor, stealing $170,000 in Bitcoin. Additionally, Malaysian nationals were charged with kidnapping a Chinese national in August, demanding a ransom in Tether stablecoins.
While the investigation into Mirshahi’s murder continues, these cases underscore the growing risk for those involved in the high-stakes world of cryptocurrency.
