In May 2025, an attempted kidnapping in Paris targeted the daughter and grandchild of a crypto entrepreneur. The suspects did not succeed. This was the third known kidnapping attempt in France this year involving individuals tied to cryptocurrency.
French police are now investigating the series of cases. All three incidents involved people connected to the crypto industry. One case reportedly included a person who had recently converted a large amount of digital assets into fiat currency.
These events mark a rise in crypto violence in France. As more individuals gain wealth through digital assets, their visibility may be increasing their exposure to targeted attacks. Law enforcement has not disclosed the names of the victims but confirmed ongoing investigations into possible organized groups.
Nikolai Mushegian’s Death Followed Cryptic Posts
Nikolai Mushegian, a well-known developer in the cryptocurrency industry, was found dead on October 28, 2022, in Puerto Rico. He was 29. Mushegian contributed to MakerDAO and co-founded Balancer Labs.
Police discovered his body near Condado Beach in San Juan. They later ruled the cause of death as drowning. The beach often sees strong currents and dangerous waves. Still, officers said they found no signs of foul play.
Shortly before his death, Mushegian posted on X:
“3 possible futures for me 1) suicided by CIA 2) CIA brain damage slave asset 3) worst nightmare of people who fucked with me up until now, I am sure these are the only options.”
This message led to public speculation and online theories. Some users claimed he had warned of danger. However, Puerto Rican officials said they found no evidence of a criminal act. The beach has been linked to other drowning cases in the past.
Fernando Pérez Algaba Found Dead in Argentina
On July 23, 2023, local authorities in Buenos Aires recovered a red suitcase containing body parts. The remains were identified as Fernando Pérez Algaba, a 41-year-old crypto millionaire from Argentina.
Children discovered the suitcase near a stream in Ingeniero Budge. Inside were the victim’s legs and forearm. Police later found his other arm, torso, and head. An autopsy confirmed three gunshot wounds before dismemberment.
Algaba had been missing since July 18. He had rented an apartment on the outskirts of the city but never returned the keys. The landlord filed a report. His social media showed luxury cars and travel, and he had a public profile in the cryptocurrency industry.
Reports revealed he owed taxes and had issues with a known gang that demanded $40,000. Algaba also left a note on his phone saying, “If something happens to me, everyone has been warned.” Police confirmed one arrest but have not disclosed further updates.
Crypto Millionaire Mircea Popescu Died in Costa Rica
In June 2021, Mircea Popescu, a Romanian-born Bitcoin investor and writer, died while swimming in Costa Rica. He was 41. Local reports said he drowned off the coast. His death remains one of the most talked-about among crypto millionaire deaths.
Popescu was known for launching the Bitcoin exchange Mpex in 2012. He was active on Bitcoin forums and often criticized centralized systems. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission had reportedly investigated his exchange before his death.
Following the incident, entrepreneur Riccardo Spagni wrote on X:
“Mircea Popescu died last week. He was a thoroughly unlikeable person who taught me so much about Bitcoin…”
Popescu was rumored to have held more than 1 million BTC. However, this figure was never confirmed. The fate of the funds remains unclear. His death added to the growing list ofcrypto millionaire deaths that raise concerns about the risks tied to wealth in the cryptocurrency space.
