Mysterious Deaths Haunt Crypto Millionaires—Are Fortunes Becoming Fatal?
Last week, an attempted kidnapping in Paris targeted the daughter and grandchild of a crypto entrepreneur, adding to a troubling trend of attacks on crypto figures in France. Since January 2025, three kidnapping attempts have been reported involving individuals linked to the cryptocurrency industry.
Crypto-related violence is not confined to France. Globally, crypto moguls are increasingly becoming prime targets.
This highlights the dark side of the cryptocurrency boom, where immense wealth attracts both opportunity and danger. Beyond abductions, the mysterious deaths of prominent figures have also plagued the crypto industry over the years.
Nikolai MushegianNikolai 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), which is behind the Dai stablecoin (upgraded to Sky Dollar). Mushegian also co-founded Balancer Labs.
The 29-year-old was found dead in Puerto Rico, near the Condado Beach in San Juan, on October 28, 2022. The cause of the crypto millionaire’s death was determined to be drowning, but the circumstances surrounding it quickly sparked intense discussion due to his final cryptic social media posts.
Just days before his death, Mushegian posted alarming messages on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting he feared for his life.
“3 possible futures for me 1) suicided by CIA 2) CIA brain damage slave asset 3) worst nightmare of people who fucked with me up until now, I am sure these are the only options,” Mushegian wrote in September 2022.
The tragic nature of Mushegian’s passing also led to various conspiracy theories.
“Maybe it’s just my tin hat leaking out, but it is my opinion that Nikolai spoke truth in his tweet, and was then murdered as a lesson to anyone else who finds themselves in a similar situation,” a user posted on Reddit.
Despite this, the police found no evidence to substantiate the theory that he was intentionally harmed. It is also worth noting that Condado Beach, where the incident occurred, is known for its dangerous currents and strong waves. The beach has a history of fatal accidents. Thus, his death was officially ruled an accident.
Fernando Pérez AlgabaFernando Pérez Algaba was an Argentine businessman and crypto millionaire. He was famous for driving luxury cars and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, which he often shared with his Instagram followers. Unfortunately, Algaba passed away in July 2023 at the age of 41.
Crypto millionaire found dead and chopped up in suitcase. 