Key Insights:
After five days of officially being missing, Algaba's body was found dismembered and packed into a red suitcase. It was seen by a group of kids playing by a stream in Ingeniero Budge, Buenos Aires, in his native Argentina.
The police were alerted by the children's parents, and they inspected the suitcase, seeing the deceased's legs and forearm inside. When they looked inside the stream, his forearms and legs were there — a four-letter tattoo on the hand was proof.
Local media alleged that his body could have been amputated. An autopsy further showed he was shot thrice before it was dismembered. Subsequently, a murder investigation was launched.
Still, who would want to kidnap and murder a crypto millionaire? Why was he murdered in such a horrific manner? What happens next — revenge, justice, or nothing?
Read along, and let's find out together if there's more than meets the eye.
Fernando Perez Algaba was a 41-year-old crypto millionaire and social media influencer from Argentina. He was also said to have been a crypto trader, managing an office that employed other traders in Buenos Aires.
The 'self-made' crypto millionaire who doubled as an Instagram influencer flaunted his lavish lifestyle to almost 1 million followers. His content mostly revolved around sports cars, luxurious trips, and quality time with his friends and dogs.
He accumulated wealth by renting luxury vehicles and investing in crypto and stocks. He had reportedly already amassed a large warehouse full of high-end cars, motorcycles, and jet skis by 24.
The crypto millionaire then founded a luxury car and jet ski rental firm in Miami, United States, before traveling to Barcelona, Spain, later on.
Algaba once gave a brief opening into his rags-to-riches story,
"I started working at age 14, I started with a bicycle and a box, and I started selling sandwiches."
Well, he went on to sell other things while making millions.
So how would he go from trading to being murdered?
Algaba was going through tough times as a result of the crypto winter. He was said to have incurred massive debts with Argentina's tax agency termed "irrecoverable."
Additionally, his company, "Motors Lettuce SRL," began bouncing checks less than a year after being incorporated in January 2018. He also allegedly left a note on his phone that he lost huge sums while investing in crypto.
The crypto millionaire was reportedly involved with a local violent gang Barra Bravas, who demanded he pay them $40,000. His creditors were also filing lawsuits against him due to bounced checks, and some of his companies were either reported for fraud or were debt-ridden.
Before his disappearance, he left some cryptic and disturbing messages.
He once posted,
"It's incredible how there are such evil people in the world that while you're thinking of helping them, they're thinking of destroying you."
He also wrote,
"Hello mum, I needed to clear my head as always. And from here, I realize two things: that we can't escape from problems and that problems will follow us."
Lastly,
"If something happens to me, everyone is already warned."
On July 19, a woman wanted to hand him back the keys to the apartment he rented her, but he was a no-show. Five days later, his body was found in a suitcase with many parts cut off.
Rodolfo Algaba, his brother, defended his integrity of being innocent of fraud. He, however, insinuated that Fernando was struggling financially due to crypto winter.
Since the investigation began, the police have apprehended one suspect. However, new updates will likely unfold regarding the story as time goes by.
Disclaimer: Voice of Crypto aims to deliver accurate and up-to-date information but will not be responsible for any missing facts or inaccurate information. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile financial assets, so research and make your own financial decisions.