A Canadian father of four became the victim of a brutal kidnapping attempt linked to Bitcoin. Due to this incident, he is now in hiding, while the suspects involved have been released on bail until their trial.

A moderator from a cryptocurrency forum in Canada and father of four alleges he was compelled to go into hiding following an attempted kidnapping that seemed to be motivated by a desire to seize his Bitcoin. The assailants, it appears, are connected to criminal organizations. The unnamed victim, who preferred not to disclose his identity to protect his children, made this claim.

According to a report by La Presse, I’ve learned that two adults, who previously had no criminal record, are facing charges of conspiracy to kidnap and unlawful possession of firearms. These allegations stem from the victim’s police report. Additionally, two minors were taken into custody. The suspects have been released on house arrest, awaiting their trial scheduled for March next year.

The individual recounted his harrowing experience of surviving the assault. The perpetrators were equipped with instruments of torture, such as a tarpaulin with an opening, and claws sharp enough to amputate limbs, he asserted. According to an official statement, the incident unfolded in two distinct phases.

Initially, it happened on November 4th that two individuals wearing surgical masks appeared at his residence. Upon his closing the door, they left. The victim subsequently contacted the authorities about them. In response to his concern for his own safety, he purchased bear spray and a air pistol.

Man Forced to Hide After Bitcoin Kidnap Attempt in Canada

On November 8th, the second part of the incident occurred. A man put his daughter in the car and mentioned that he had spotted a suspicious, black car without a license plate hidden among bushes near his home. Upon getting into his vehicle, the car suddenly began to move. Swerving onto the main road, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and ran away on foot. The man chased after the car. When he stopped nearby, the driver was sprayed with bear spray. One of the suspects then pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the man.

Later, the police stated that the attackers aimed to abduct him and force him to disclose the access code for his Bitcoin savings. They allegedly found evidence on a Facebook page they administered suggesting he owned approximately 2.5 million bitcoins. Contrastingly, the victim claims he possesses only a small quantity, roughly $10,000 worth.

After the police determined they couldn’t ensure the victim’s security, they advised him to relocate. Ever since then, he and his family have been residing in temporary housing. Additionally, the Youth Protection Department (DPJ) got involved to safeguard the children. Recently, they visited but declined to discuss the case.

As a researcher studying criminal behavior, I express my concerns about the court’s decision to release the suspect on bail. This action has left him no choice but to deplete his savings in order to protect his family from potential harm. Criminologist Chloé Leclerc shares this sentiment, finding it surprising given that house arrest still imposes restrictions. She maintains her reservations regarding this decision.

 

 

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2025-01-08 12:55