On June 21, 2024, a high-profile kidnapping in Old Montreal led to a tragic outcome. Four individuals, including cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi, were abducted from a luxury condo on de la Commune Street. A 32-year-old woman, Joanie Lepage, now faces charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with the case. Below is a detailed account of the incident, investigation, and its aftermath.
Incident Overview
The kidnapping occurred in the early morning hours of June 21, 2024, at a luxury condominium in Old Montreal. Key details include:
- Victims: Four individuals, including 25-year-old Kevin Mirshahi, a well-known cryptocurrency influencer, were forcibly taken from the condo.
- Location: The incident took place on de la Commune Street, near St-Hubert Street, in Montreal's historic Old Montreal district.
- Initial Response: Montreal police received a 911 call around 4 a.m. reporting a conflict, prompting a swift response and the establishment of a command post on de la Commune Street.
Investigation and Developments
The case quickly escalated, involving multiple law enforcement agencies and significant discoveries:
- Police Operation: Fearing for the victims' safety, authorities launched a major operation to locate the abducted individuals.
- Burned-Out SUV: Laval police discovered a burned-out SUV believed to have been used to transport the victims, providing a critical clue in the investigation.
- Recovery of Three Victims: Within 24 hours, three of the four kidnapped individuals were found in good health near a bus stop in Montreal’s west end.
- Discovery of Mirshahi’s Body: On October 30, 2024, a passerby found a decomposing body at Île-de-la-Visitation park in Montreal’s Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough. An autopsy confirmed it was Kevin Mirshahi, marking Montreal’s 32nd homicide of 2024.
Charges Against Joanie Lepage
Joanie Lepage, a 32-year-old resident of Les Cèdres, Quebec, was arrested in late August 2024. The charges against her include:
- First-degree murder of Kevin Mirshahi, allegedly committed on June 21, 2024, in a basement in Les Cèdres.
- Forcible confinement and kidnapping of all four victims.
- Acting as an accomplice after Mirshahi’s death.
Lepage, previously unknown to police, appeared at the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield courthouse on August 22, 2024, to face these charges.
Background on Kevin Mirshahi
Kevin Mirshahi was a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world, but his activities drew scrutiny:
- Crypto Paradise Island: Mirshahi owned and operated this private investment group, which focused on cryptocurrency ventures.
- AMF Investigation: Since 2021, Quebec’s investment regulator, the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), had been investigating Mirshahi. On July 4, 2024, the AMF extended blocking orders against him, banning activities as a broker or investment adviser, prohibiting securities transactions, and ordering the removal of social media publications referencing the AMF.
Ongoing Investigation
The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) continues to investigate the case, with several key points:
- The investigation was transferred from Montreal police to the SQ due to its complexity and the discovery of Mirshahi’s body.
- Authorities are still piecing together the events leading to Mirshahi’s death and the motive behind the kidnapping.
- The testimonies of the three surviving victims were crucial in locating the suspected crime scene in Les Cèdres.
This tragic case has drawn significant attention due to Mirshahi’s public profile and the violent nature of the crime. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this high-profile kidnapping and murder.