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The inquiry into the homicide of well-known crypto influencer Kevin Mirshahi has shown significant advancement, with Canadian law enforcement announcing new updates on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, following the recovery of his body in a Montreal nature park in October.
New Arrests in Montreal Crypto Influencer Murder
As reported by CBC News on Tuesday, Quebec provincial police have apprehended Darius Perry, 27, and Nackael Hickey, 25, in relation to the murder of Kevin Mirshahi. Both individuals are facing charges of kidnapping and being accessories to the crime.
#arrestation de Darius Perry et Nackael Hickey en lien avec l’homicide de Kevin Mirshahi. Ils devraient comparaître au cours des prochaines heures au palais de justice de Valleyfield. https://t.co/hxVuWOK5p8
— Sûreté du Québec (@sureteduquebec) November 19, 2024
These arrests follow the earlier capture of Joanie Lepage, 32, who has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the same case.
The investigation into the murder commenced on June 21, 2024, after Mirshahi and three others were kidnapped from a luxury condominium in Old Montreal.
While his companions were found a few hours later, Mirshahi’s location remained unknown until his body was discovered on October 30 in Île-de-la-Visitation Park.
Authorities believe that the murder occurred in Les Cèdres, Quebec. A burned SUV believed to be associated with the crime has also been recovered.
Kevin Mirshahi’s Crypto Involvement and Allegations
Kevin Mirshahi was a prominent figure in Montreal’s cryptocurrency community, managing a private Telegram group named Crypto Paradise Island and promoting investments on Instagram and Snapchat. However, his activities were met with controversy.
In 2021, Québec’s financial regulatory body, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), prohibited Mirshahi and his associates from engaging in securities transactions or providing investment advice.
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The restrictions remained effective following his disappearance.
While Mirshahi’s followers regarded him as a significant player in the crypto sector, he faced allegations of fraudulent activities.
Claims of scams and his regulatory issues add layers of complexity to the case.
Investigators are examining possible connections between his previous cryptocurrency activities and the events surrounding his murder, although it is still uncertain if any of the suspects were directly involved in his crypto operations.
The Growing Trend of Crypto-related Crimes
The murder of Mirshahi is indicative of an increasing trend of crimes aimed at cryptocurrency influencers.
Recent events, such as the kidnapping of WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka, highlight the rising vulnerabilities within the crypto industry.
Additionally, Indian authorities have reported the arrest of Shailesh Babulal Bhatt for allegedly kidnapping two employees associated with BitConnect’s founder, Satish Kumbhani.
Bhatt is accused of extorting over $125 million in cryptocurrencies and cash, claiming it was an attempt to recover his losses from BitConnect, a global Ponzi scheme.
JUST IN-
ED Arrests Shailesh Bhatt for ₹1,232 Cr Crypto Extortion Linked to Bitconnect Scam
— Crypto India (@CryptooIndia) August 18, 2024
The Enforcement Directorate disclosed that Bhatt utilized these funds to acquire properties and assets, further complicating the investigation.
The post Two More Suspects Arrested in Crypto Influencer Murder Case appeared first on Cryptonews.
