Missing Crypto Influencer Kevin Mirshahi Found Dead in Montreal Park

• Kevin Mirshahi, a crypto influencer missing since June, was found dead in a Montreal park in late October.
• His crypto dealings attracted regulatory scrutiny prior to his disappearance.
• In August, Joanie Lepage was arrested on charges linked to his kidnapping and death.

Kevin Mirshahi, a Montreal-based crypto influencer who went missing in June, was found dead on Oct. 30 in Île-de-la-Visitation Park, Montreal.

The discovery was made by a passerby around 10 a.m., according to the Sûreté du Québec. Police confirmed Mirshahi’s identity following an autopsy, marking the city’s 32nd homicide of 2024.

Timeline of Mirshahi’s Kidnapping

Mirshahi’s disappearance began under disturbing circumstances on June 21 when he was reportedly abducted from a residence in Old Montreal, along with three others.

Montreal police responded to a 911 call around 4 a.m., reporting a conflict near de la Commune and St-Hubert Streets.

Although the three other individuals were located within hours, Mirshahi remained missing. Montreal police escalated the investigation, eventually handing it over to the Sûreté du Québec.

Mirshahi’s high-profile presence in the cryptocurrency community and his role in managing a private investment group, Crypto Paradise Island, attracted public attention to his case.

On June 21, Joanie Lepage, a resident of Les Cèdres, was accused of participating in the abduction and subsequent murder of Mirshahi.

By August 2024, Joanie Lepage was arrested in connection with Mirshahi’s death.

Authorities allege that Lepage assisted in concealing the crypto influencer’s death.

The investigation remains open as authorities search for further evidence or other potential suspects in the crime.

Rising Physical Threats in the Crypto Sector

Mirshahi’s death is part of a troubling trend of violent crimes targeting individuals involved in the cryptocurrency industry.

Recently, there have been multiple high-profile cases of coercion, abduction, and physical assault where victims were pressured to transfer digital assets.

In one recent incident, a Devcon conference attendee in Thailand was reportedly forced by armed robbers to transfer $250,000 in USDT.

The victim, Viascheslav Leibov, was allegedly lured by a friend and confined by assailants until he complied with their demands.

Around the same time, Rooch Network co-founder Haichao Zhu was robbed at knifepoint in Thailand and suffered minor injuries.

The CEO of WonderFi, Dean Skruka , also faced a harrowing experience in downtown Toronto. Kidnappers reportedly demanded a $1 million ransom, which was ultimately paid in cryptocurrency. Skruka was released safely following the payment.

As crypto continues to gain mainstream attention and substantial financial influence, the number of violent crimes targeting industry figures has been on the rise globally. These cases underscore the growing risks in the sector, with many incidents involving high-stakes demands for digital assets.