Fernando Perez Algaba, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, was reported missing on July 18, 2023. At the age of 41, Algaba had garnered a substantial Instagram following, with 918,000 followers. His social media presence consisted of a display of his luxurious lifestyle, which included high-end automobiles, exclusive parties, and jet skis. His disappearance marked a sudden and unexpected interruption in his regular online activity.
In the days leading up to his disappearance, Algaba had posted a series of cryptic messages on his social media platforms. These messages hinted at a sense of disillusionment, with Algaba expressing his dismay at “evil people” who repay acts of kindness with hatred. On July 19, 2023, he was scheduled to meet a woman to return the keys to an apartment he had rented to her. However, Algaba never showed up for the meeting, further raising concerns about his whereabouts.
Algaba had been residing in Miami, USA, until the early part of 2023. He then embarked on a journey to Spain before returning to his home country, Argentina, shortly before his disappearance. His travels and international lifestyle were often featured in his social media posts, further enhancing his image as a successful and affluent individual.
On Sunday, July 23, 2023, a group of children made a gruesome discovery near a stream in Ingeniero Budge, Buenos Aires, Argentina. They found a suitcase containing the dismembered remains of Algaba. The authorities were alerted, and further investigations led to the discovery of his torso and head on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.
The condition of Algaba’s remains was shocking. His body had been mutilated, with his forearms and legs cleanly amputated. The precision of the amputations suggested the possibility of a professional hit. An autopsy later confirmed that Algaba had been killed with three gunshots before his body was dismembered.
Algaba was more than just a crypto influencer.He identified himself as an investor and merchant who sold and rented luxury automobiles. His life narrative was one of rags-to-riches, as he began his career at the age of 14 peddling sandwiches. Later, he ventured into the cryptocurrency and financial markets, where he amassed a fortune.
Despite his apparent success, Algaba’s Buenos Aires-based crypto trading company, Motors Lettuce SRL, was reportedly in serious debt. Algaba had left a note on his phone expressing his concerns about losing a lot of money on various crypto investments shortly before he went missing. He also mentioned that he had received a substantial loan from the Argentinian gang Barra Bravas.
As of the time of reporting, the authorities were actively investigating Algaba’s murder. One suspect was arrested in relation to his assassination, but no additional suspects were identified. The startling nature of Algaba’s demise has sent shockwaves throughout the cryptocurrency community and beyond.