As Bitcoin crosses the $76,000 mark, the cryptocurrency sector faces a very real threat which is not virtual: physical violence.
WonderFi CEO Kidnapped in Downtown Toronto marks a new chapter in the troubling story of crimes targeting cryptofinance figures.
A lightning kidnapping
Last Wednesday, the morning routine of Toronto’s business district was abruptly interrupted. Dean Skurka, rising figure in Canadian digital financeis violently pushed into a vehicle.
A few hours later, he regained his freedom after transferring a million dollars to his captors. The irony of fate? The incident occurs the day after the announcement of WonderFi’s quarterly results, showing a turnover of 41 million Canadian dollars over the last nine months.
Crypto, a new hunting ground for criminals
This kidnapping is not an isolated case. This is the 171st violent incident linked to the theft of cryptocurrenciesaccording to data from a security company. A chilling statistic which highlights the vulnerability of players in the sector to physical threats.
The timing of this attack is not trivial. Bitcoin has just reached a new all-time high. This exceptional performance attracts attention, including that of criminals. WonderFi, backed by Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary, is among the most high-profile crypto companies in Canada.
A sector at a crossroads
The crypto industry is today faced with a paradox: while it is gaining legitimacy among institutional investors and the general public, she must face threats worthy of gangster films. Physical security will therefore become as crucial an issue as cybersecurity.
- WonderFi CEO kidnapped in Toronto and released on $1 million ransom
- This is the 171st violent incident aimed at stealing cryptocurrencies
- The crypto industry faces a paradox: record financial success and growing physical threats
