Crypto Firm CEO Kidnapped in Toronto, Held for Ransom and Then Freed After $1,000,000 Payment: Report

The chief executive of a crypto firm was reportedly kidnapped in Toronto and only freed after a $1 million ransom was paid.

According to a new report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Dean Skurka, the CEO of crypto financial services firm WonderFi was kidnapped in downtown Toronto earlier this week and only released after a $1 million payment was made electronically.

A spokesperson with the Toronto Police Service says that the suspects forced Skurka into a vehicle while making demands for money. Skurka was found later in a park uninjured.

In an email to the CBC, Skurka said that there is no threat posed to clients’ assets.

“The safety and security of all of WonderFi’s employees are paramount. Client funds and data remain safe, and were not impacted by this incident.”

Jameson Lopp, the co-founder of cybersecurity firm Casa, told the CBC that Skurka’s kidnapping is the 171st instance of physical violence being used to steal Bitcoin ( BTC ) that he’s aware of.

In a recent post on the social media platform X, Skurka said that he’s safe and the police are investigating the matter.

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out over the last few days. I’m truly grateful for the support from the Toronto business community and the global crypto community.

Toronto is not just our headquarters; it’s a city of innovation and resilience, and we’re proud to be part of it. I want to reassure everyone that I’m safe and doing well.

The investigation by Toronto Police into this incident is ongoing, with my full cooperation. WonderFi has incredible initiatives in the pipeline, and we’re more committed than ever to building the future of crypto. This won’t slow us down.”

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Featured Image: Shutterstock/ne2pi