Crypto Influencer Kevin Mirshahi Found Dead in Montreal Park

Kevin Mirshahi, a 25-year-old cryptocurrency influencer who had been missing since June 2024, was found dead in Montreal’s Île-de-la-Visitation Park. His body was discovered by a passerby, and authorities later confirmed his identity through an autopsy. The case, which marks Montreal’s 32nd homicide of the year, has raised concerns about the safety of prominent figures in the cryptocurrency community, particularly in light of recent violence tied to the sector.

Disappearance and Investigation Timeline

Mirshahi vanished on June 21, when he, along with three others, was allegedly abducted from a condo in Old Montreal. While the other three individuals were quickly found, Mirshahi remained missing, prompting an investigation by the Sûreté du Québec (SQ). Police were alerted after receiving a 911 call about a disturbance at a residence near de la Commune and St-Hubert Streets.

As the investigation progressed, Joanie Lepage, a 32-year-old woman from Les Cèdres, Quebec, was identified as a suspect. She was arrested in August and charged with first-degree murder and her involvement in the abduction. Authorities believe Lepage played a role in hiding Mirshahi’s death, though investigations continue to explore whether additional individuals may have been involved in the crime.

Mirshahi’s Role in the Crypto Community

Mirshahi was a key figure in Montreal’s cryptocurrency scene, known for managing “Crypto Paradise Island,” a private investment firm. His prominence in the crypto world attracted both attention and regulatory scrutiny. In 2021, Quebec’s investment authority, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), imposed restrictions on Mirshahi, barring him and his associates from acting as investment advisers or conducting securities transactions. These restrictions were further reinforced in July 2024, just weeks before his disappearance, limiting his online presence and forbidding him from promoting cryptocurrency-related content.

Broader Concerns in the Crypto Industry

Mirshahi’s death is part of a broader pattern of violence linked to the cryptocurrency sector. In early November, a similar crime occurred in Toronto, where WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka was kidnapped and later released after a $1 million ransom was paid electronically.

Mirshahi’s tragic death highlights the potential dangers faced by high-profile individuals in the rapidly evolving and often volatile cryptocurrency industry. As investigations continue, questions remain about the intersection of crypto, crime, and personal safety within the space.