The CEO of a cryptocurrency firm was reportedly kidnapped in Toronto. He was released after a ransom of $1 million was paid.
According to a report from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Dean Skurka, the head of WonderFi, was taken in downtown Toronto earlier this week. His release depended on an electronic payment of $1 million.
A spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service said that suspects forced Skurka into a vehicle while demanding money. He was later found unharmed in a park.
In an email to CBC, Skurka reassured everyone that client assets are secure. “The safety and security of all of WonderFi’s employees are paramount,” he stated. “Client funds and data remain safe and were not impacted by this incident.”
Jameson Lopp, co-founder of the cybersecurity firm Casa, told CBC that this kidnapping is the 171st case of physical violence used to steal Bitcoin (BTC) that he knows of.
In a recent post on the social media platform X, Skurka confirmed he is safe and mentioned that police are investigating the situation. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out over the last few days,” he wrote. “I’m truly grateful for the support from the Toronto business community and the global crypto community.”
Skurka emphasized the importance of Toronto to him and WonderFi. “Toronto is not just our headquarters; it’s a city of innovation and resilience,” he said. “I want to reassure everyone that I’m safe and doing well.”
He added that the police investigation is ongoing, and he is fully cooperating. “WonderFi has incredible initiatives in the pipeline,” he noted. “We’re more committed than ever to building the future of crypto. This won’t slow us down.”