AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
_02_05_2025_05_53_40_418159.jpg)
Highlights
- Canadian Family Escapes Kidnapping Plot A moderator of a crypto forum hides with his family after narrowly avoiding abduction.
- Global Surge in Crypto-Related Crimes Increasing cases of kidnappings and robberies targeting crypto holders.
- Court Decisions Under Scrutiny Suspected assailants in Canada granted bail despite serious allegations.
Canadian Crypto Moderator Targeted in Kidnapping Plot
A Canadian volunteer moderator of a cryptocurrency forum reportedly went into hiding with his family after an alleged abduction attempt aimed at stealing his Bitcoin holdings. According to a January 6 report by La Presse, the man, whose identity remains undisclosed, escaped with his children after witnessing the kidnappers prepare a violent attack.
The victim explained that the perpetrators believed he possessed significant Bitcoin holdings based on his activity as a moderator. Despite his claims of modest financial means, the suspects allegedly conspired to abduct him, forcing him to move between temporary accommodations with his family for safety.
The ordeal began on November 4, 2024, when two masked individuals threatened him outside his home. Although the men fled after the victim secured his door, the threats escalated days later. On November 8, while placing his daughter in the car, he noticed a suspicious vehicle near his home. Shortly afterward, he was followed, and a gun was pointed at him when he pulled over.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Police apprehended four suspects, two of whom faced charges of conspiracy to kidnap and illegal possession of firearms. Despite the severity of the allegations, the accused were granted bail under strict house arrest conditions. The trial is scheduled for March 2025.
The victim expressed dissatisfaction with the court's decision, stating that he has depleted his savings to ensure his family's safety.
Global Crypto Crimes on the Rise
The Canadian incident is part of a broader trend of crimes targeting cryptocurrency users. Jameson Lopp, a well-known figure in the crypto community, has tracked 181 reports of crypto-related robberies, kidnappings, and murders since December 2014.
Recent incidents highlight the growing risk:
- France On New Year’s Day, police in Le Mans rescued a man found tied up in a car trunk after his captors demanded a ransom from his son, a crypto influencer based in Dubai.
- Pakistan On Christmas Day, a crypto trader was abducted by individuals in a police van and forced to transfer significant funds at gunpoint.
- Belgium On December 24, the wife of a crypto influencer was kidnapped by three men, leading to a police chase and car crash.
Lopp’s Recommendations for Safety
Lopp has long advocated for increased vigilance among cryptocurrency users. He advises against flaunting wealth on social media, avoiding peer-to-peer trades with untrusted parties, and refraining from wearing crypto-branded apparel that could attract unwanted attention.
The Canadian man’s ordeal underscores the rising threat of crimes targeting cryptocurrency holders worldwide. As incidents increase, the need for heightened security measures and public awareness becomes more urgent. The upcoming legal proceedings in Canada may also shed light on how judicial systems address these emerging challenges in the cryptocurrency space.
