Father of four in Canada targeted in violent kidnapping attempt for bitcoin, forced into hiding; suspects released on bail pending trial

A Canadian crypto forum moderator and father of four claims he was forced into hiding after a violent kidnapping attempt. The suspects apparently wanted to take his Bitcoin.

The anonymous victim, who did not want to identify himself for the sake of his children, said attackers were linked to organized crime.

Charges of conspiracy to kidnap and possession of prohibited firearms were laid against two adults based on the victim’s police report, according to La Presse. Two minors were also arrested.

The suspects have no criminal history and were released on house arrest until their trial next March.

The victim described how he survived the attack. The attackers had torture equipment, including a tarp with a hole, and claws that would sever a limb, he said.

The incident took place in two stages, a spokesperson said.

The first event, they said, took place on November 4, when two men in surgical masks approached his home. After they fled when he shut the door, the victim reported them to the police. He bought him bear spray and got him an air pistol, fearing for his safety.

On November 8, the second stage took place. It is when a man loaded his daughter into a car and was told by him that near his home, behind bushes, he noticed a suspicious, black car without a license plate. When he got into his vehicle, the car started to move. After swerving onto the main road, the suspects fled on foot, but the man followed the car. The driver was then sprayed with bear spray when the man stopped nearby. Then one of the suspects pointed a handgun at him.

Later, police said the attackers intended to kidnap him and make him reveal the password to his Bitcoin wallet. They reportedly saw posts on a Facebook page he managed that led them to believe that he owned 2.5 million bitcoins. However, the victim says he only has a small amount, about $10,000.

The police were unable to guarantee the victim’s safety and suggested he move. Since then he, and his family, have been staying in temporary accommodation. The Youth Protection Department (DPJ) also came into play to protect the children. The family visited but were now refusing to talk about the case.

The victim complained about the suspect being released on bail. To protect his family, he has had to spend his savings. Criminologist Chloé Leclerc told the court’s decision surprised her, as she acknowledged house arrest was restrictive but still had a problem with the decision.