Last week, an attempt to lure in Paris targeted the daughter and grandchild of a crypto entrepreneur, adding to the nasty tendency of attacks on French crypto men. Since January 2025, three temptations have been reported involving individuals linked to the cryptocurrency industry.
Crypto-related violence is not limited to France. Globally, crypto moguls are becoming increasingly a major target.
This highlights the dark side of the cryptocurrency boom, where enormous wealth attracts both opportunity and danger. Beyond aidductions, the mystical deaths of famous figures have plagued the crypto industry for many years.
Nikolai Mussian
Nikolai Mushegian was a well-known software engineer and cryptocurrency developer. He was one of the early contributors to the development of the Makerdao project (now Sky) behind Dai Stablecoin (upgraded to Sky Dollar). Mushegian also co-founded Balancer Labs.
The 29-year-old was found in Puerto Rico, near Condodo Beach, San Juan, on October 28, 2022. The cause of the crypto billionaire’s death was decided to be his own death, but the circumstances surrounding it quickly sparked heated debate due to his ultimate, mysterious social media post.
A few days before his death, Mushijian posted an astonishing message on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that he was afraid of his life.
“Three future possibilities for me 1) 2) CIA brain-injured slave assets 3) the worst nightmare of people who have been messed up with me so far, I’m sure these are the only options,” Mushedian wrote in September 2022.
The tragic nature of the death of the Mussizians has also led to various conspiracy theories.
“Maybe it’s just my tin hat leaking out, but it’s my opinion that Nikolai spoke the truth in his tweet, and then it’s my opinion that he was murdered as a lesson for others in a similar situation,” the user posted on Reddit.
Nevertheless, police found no evidence to demonstrate the theory that he was intentionally hurt. It is also worth noting that Condodo Beach, where the incident occurred, is known for its dangerous currents and strong waves. The beach has a history of fatal accidents. Therefore, his death was officially ruled an accident.
Fernando Perez Algaba
Fernando Perez Algaba was an Argentine businessman and crypto billionaire. He was famous for driving luxury cars and enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle. Unfortunately, Algaba passed away in July 2023 at the age of 41.
On July 23, authorities were warned when children playing near a stream with Ingeniero badges in Buenos Aires, discovered a red suitcase containing dismembered body parts. Police inspected the suitcase and found the victim’s legs and forearms inside, with the other arm in the stream.
Three days later, on July 26th, authorities recovered the missing head and torso. The autopsy later revealed that the victim was shot three times before it fell apart.
Local media said Algaba had been missing since July 18th. The owner of the apartment he rented in the outskirts of Buenos Aires reported that he had not returned his keys and had not answered the phone.
The New York Post later revealed that Algaba had received threatening messages in the week leading up to his death. He also owed a large amount of money to the Argentine tax agency. Additionally, Algaba also had some conflict with the infamous local gangster who demanded him $40,000.
Additionally, Algaba left a note on the phone, stating that he lost a significant amount of money in his crypto investment.
“Everyone is being warned if something happens to me,” the memo read.
At the time of the investigation, police had arrested one suspect in connection with Algaba’s death. However, details about the suspect and progress in the investigation have not been fully disclosed.
Mirceapopescu
Mircea Popescu was a Romanian-born Bitcoin Maximarist and blogger. He was recognized for his early involvement in cryptocurrency and his controversial online presence. His incompatible views on the value and negligence of Bitcoin on the centralized financial system have won him the title “Father of Bitcoin Toxicity.”
An entrepreneur and outspoken libertarian, Popescu is extremely active at Bitcoin forum Bitcointalk, launching MPEX for Bitcoin Exchange in 2012.
Popescu passed away in June 2021 at the age of 41. He reportedly drowned while swimming off the coast of Costa Rica. It was rumoured that Popescu had held over a million BTC at the time of his death.
“Last week, Mircea Popescu passed away. He was a completely unlikely person who taught me so much about Bitcoin. I think what sticks to me is his claim that Noobs has been hiding for six months before they say anything.
The death of the crypto mogul marked the end of an era of one of the most divisive figures in the cryptocurrency world. His legacy continues to spark debate, with some viewing him as a pioneer and others as a polarized character that has greatly shaped Bitcoin’s early culture.
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