Crypto Forum Moderator Targeted in Alleged Bitcoin Kidnapping Attempt

by

A moderator on a Canadian cryptocurrency discussion platform, who is also a family man with four children, alleges that he’s been compelled to go into hiding following an attempted kidnapping and torture incident. The perpetrators are said to have mistakenly thought that he owned a large quantity of Bitcoin.

Due to the recent event, the man and his family find themselves in a vulnerable position, constantly shifting between short-term homes out of concern for their well-being.

Crypto Forum Moderator Targeted in Bitcoin Kidnapping

In November 2024, an incident occurred that some are reporting took place at the residence of the Crypto forum. The event started when two individuals, who were wearing masks and suspected to be the culprits, reportedly approached the house. According to the account given, these suspects fled after the man shut the door on them. A short while later, the victim claimed to have spotted the masked men in an unidentified vehicle near his home as he was dropping off his child at daycare.

It’s reported that the suspects trailed the man onto a major street. As events escalated, he was in contact with the police when the suspect car made a turn, and three individuals inside exited and fled on foot.

Moments later, it’s said that the driver of the car stepped out and had words with the victim, while another individual pulled out a gun. The man claimed that he employed pepper spray (similar to what is used for protecting against bears) as a means of self-defense against the suspects until the police arrived to take them into custody.

Claims of Torture Equipment Discovered

In the report it was disclosed that the moderator of the Cryptocurrency forum claimed the suspects planned to abduct and torment him with the intention of obtaining his digital currencies.

The police’s investigation implies that the suspect believed he owned approximately 2.5 million Bitcoins, which translates to billions of dollars, due to his role as a moderator in a prominent cryptocurrency Facebook community.

According to the man’s statement to La Presse, he was allegedly subjected to instruments designed for torture. These tools included a tarp with a central hole and sharp claws meant for severing limbs and stopping bleeding. The violence involved in this situation is extreme, he added. Furthermore, the man revealed that his initial investment in Bitcoin was $10,000, which equates to approximately 0.1 Bitcoin at its current market value.

Suspects Released on House Arrest

Four individuals, with two being adults and the remaining two minors, were apprehended for questioning regarding a recent incident. The adult suspects are expected to face charges of conspiring to kidnap as well as illegal possession of firearms. Yet, all four individuals have been granted home confinement until their trial scheduled for March begins.

The family of the Crypto forum moderator has expressed worry over the release of the suspects, as they fear potential retaliation due to the possibility of their involvement in the attack. They were advised by authorities to leave the area since the suspects might be connected to organized crime. Since then, the family has been moving from one temporary rental home to another, attempting to avoid any danger.

A spokesperson for Quebec’s provincial police, the Sûreté du Québec, explained that while they provide advice to victims, they do not have the capacity to provide 24/7 security.

The spokesperson noted that while they don’t suggest people move homes, altering the address is an option under consideration. Alternatively, they suggested changing locks, installing security cameras, and setting up alarms as other possible precautions.

Although the suspects were released, the victim conveyed his disappointment and shared that this decision has compelled his family into a state of hiding due to fears for their safety. He explained that they were told by the police that they cannot guarantee their protection. The man also disclosed that following rumors about the event at his children’s school, the Youth Protection Department (DPJ) intervened in the situation.

Read More

2025-01-07 03:18