It was Dean Skurka, CEO of cryptocurrency and blockchain company WonderFi to kidnapThey were held for ransom, then released after paying it 1 million dollars. According to CBC and other sources, Skorka was kidnapped in downtown Toronto around 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Skurka was later released and found safe in Centennial Park. Police reports indicate that the kidnappers demanded a ransom, which was paid electronically.
Police immediately responded to the kidnapping report
Toronto Police immediately responded to a call about a kidnapping at W. Richmond Avenue and University Avenue during rush hour. According to some witnesses, Skurka was forced into the car before submitting a random request.
A police spokesman identified the victim as Dean Skorka, the CEO and president of the company WonderFi. WonderFi is a Toronto-based company that owns one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in Canada and invests in blockchain projects.
Toronto Police are currently continuing their investigation and have not shared any details about the kidnapping suspects or any other leads.
WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka. Image: The Logic
Safe cryptocurrencies for customers and investors: Skurka
In an email to CBC last Thursday, Skorka said he was involved in an accident and is now safe. He also reassured his clients that their data and funds remained safe.
Skorka’s kidnapping is the latest in a list of cryptocurrency celebrities who have fallen victim to robberies. According to one company, Toronto kidnapping It was the 171st incident of violence against cryptocurrency figures.
The latest kidnapping is similar to a Malaysian case last July, where two people were kidnapped and released in exchange for $1.2 million in virtual currency.
Last year, ransomware gangs and other hackers extorted more than $1 billion in cryptocurrency payments, a record. According to Chaina Analysis, the amount extorted reflects a 10% increase from 2021, indicating that ransomware is now a serious concern for the industry.
WonderFi reports revenue of C$41 million in Q3
Skorka’s kidnapping occurred just one day after his company reported its third-quarter earnings. Toronto-based WonderFi reported $41 million in revenue for its operations in the past nine months. The company’s performance coincides with a rally in the Bitcoin market, which is now trading at more than $76,000.
WonderFi is a Toronto-based public listed company that invests in and manages blockchain projects and digital assets. Kevin O’Leary, also known as “Mr. Terrific” from Shark Tank, who has generally been a supporter of cryptocurrencies, is one of the main people in it.
Just last year, the company announced that it had significant ownership in a few regulated cryptocurrency exchanges in Canada.
Featured image from Telangana Today, chart from TradingView
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