Calgary Police are currently on the lookout for a suspect involved in an alleged case of arson and Bitcoin extortion.
According to authorities, the incident occurred on December 20th, 2021, at a residence in the 100 block of 17 Avenue N.E. The suspect is believed to have set fire to the home and left a note demanding a large sum of Bitcoin in exchange for not causing further harm.
The Calgary Fire Department responded to the scene and was able to quickly extinguish the fire, preventing any major damage to the property. However, the incident has left the homeowners shaken and in fear for their safety.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian male in his late 20s or early 30s, approximately 5’10” tall with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants, and a black baseball cap.
Police are urging anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts or the incident itself to come forward. They are also reminding the public to be cautious when dealing with any type of extortion, especially involving cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin and other forms of cryptocurrency have become increasingly popular targets for criminals due to their anonymity and difficulty to trace. However, authorities are working diligently to track down the suspect and bring them to justice.
In the meantime, the Calgary Police Service is reminding the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. They also advise individuals to be cautious when sharing personal information online and to never give in to demands made by extortionists.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
