Calgary police have issued an arrest warrant for Finbar Hughes, who is accused of setting a home in Hillhurst on fire after allegedly attempting to extort Bitcoin from its residents. Authorities confirmed that Hughes is facing several charges, including possession of incendiary materials and deliberately setting fire to a dwelling.
The incident occurred on November 19, when emergency services responded to reports of a house fire at approximately 3 AM. Fire crews successfully extinguished the blaze, preventing significant damage to the property. Investigators believe the fire was connected to threatening letters delivered to residents, demanding Bitcoin payments to a specific wallet address.
Authorities seek public assistance in locating Hughes
The Calgary police have called on the public to help locate Hughes, stating that all investigative avenues have been exhausted. In an official statement released on Saturday, authorities urged anyone with information about Hughes’ whereabouts to contact the police or visit the nearest station.
The fire incident in Hillhurst follows reports of similar threats and fires in Edmonton, but investigators have yet to establish a link between the two cases. The Calgary police have expressed concern over the rise in such crimes, emphasizing the need for public vigilance and cooperation.
Previous arson cases highlight regional concerns
This is not the first arson-related crime in Calgary this year. In October, police arrested 40-year-old Gavin Peter Robinson, who was charged with arson and endangering human life. Investigators allege that Robinson used an accelerant to ignite his home, resulting in a massive explosion that rendered four neighboring houses uninhabitable and displaced their occupants.
One of Robinson’s neighbors, Gladys, described the fire as deliberate and expressed frustration over the destruction it caused. She joined other affected residents in calling for swift prosecution and justice for those impacted by the incident.
Bitcoin extortion reflects broader Crypto security risks
The connection between Bitcoin threats and crimes like arson underscores ongoing concerns about criminal activity in the cryptocurrency sector. Authorities are investigating whether the fire and Bitcoin demands in Hillhurst are related. Such incidents are common, as cybercriminals increasingly use digital assets for extortion and other illegal activities.
A recent report by Chainalysis highlighted a surge in ransomware attacks involving cryptocurrency, with inflows totaling $459.8 million in the first half of 2024. The year also recorded the largest single ransomware payment, $75 million to the Dark Angels group. As digital currencies gain popularity, experts warn that they may attract more criminal exploitation, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures across the sector.
The post Calgary Police Issue Arrest Warrant for Suspect in Hillhurst Fire and Bitcoin Extortion Threats first appeared on Coinfea.
