Two Arrested in Connection with Montreal Crypto Influencer’s Death

Two further arrests have been made in Quebec, according to authorities looking into the untimely death of Kevin Mirshahi. Four months after his unexplained disappearance, the 25-year-old cryptocurrency influencer was discovered dead last month in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville district of Montreal.

Arrests Shed Light on Kidnapping Plot

Darius Perry, 27, and Nackael Hickey, 25, now face charges of kidnapping and accessory to murder. Their arrests follow that of Joanie Lepage, 32, who has been charged with first-degree murder. Quebec provincial police continue to unravel the events leading to Mirshahi’s abduction and murder, which reportedly stemmed from a June 21 incident in Old Montreal.

On that day, Mirshahi and three others were abducted from a luxury condo. Police responded to a 911 call but only found the other victims hours later, abandoned near a west-end bus stop. Mirshahi remained missing until his body was discovered in late October. Investigators suspect he was killed at a home in Les Cèdres, a Montérégie town identified during the case. A burned-out SUV believed to be linked to the abduction was also recovered.

Mirshahi was a prominent figure in Montreal’s crypto community. He operated “Crypto Paradise Island,” a Telegram group with over 2,500 members, and actively promoted investment ventures on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.

However, his financial dealings drew the attention of Quebec’s Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) in 2021. Regulators imposed restrictions on Mirshahi and his associates, barring them from acting as investment advisers or conducting securities transactions. Following his disappearance, the AMF extended these restrictions in July 2024, emphasizing concerns about his social media activities.

While police have not revealed a motive, they are examining connections between Mirshahi’s crypto dealings, regulatory issues, and his murder. His death marks Montreal’s 32nd homicide in 2024. As authorities continue their investigation, the case underscores the risks associated with the volatile world of cryptocurrency.