Missing Millionaire Crypto Influencer Found Dismembered in Suitcase

August 1, 2023

By Anjali Kochhar

Argentinian police have launched a murder investigation after the dismembered remains of millionaire Fernando Pérez Algaba, 41, were discovered by children in Buenos Aires Province. The grisly find occurred when kids playing by a stream found a red suitcase containing body parts over the weekend.

The police inspected the package and found the victim’s legs and forearm inside the suitcase, and another arm was found in the stream. Later, the missing head and torso were discovered by authorities on Wednesday. The clean amputation of the body parts suggested the work of a professional.

A subsequent autopsy revealed that Algaba had been shot three times before being dismembered. He was identified through his fingerprints and distinctive tattoos. The entrepreneur, known as “Lechuga” or lettuce to friends, had amassed wealth by renting luxury vehicles and selling cryptocurrency, which he frequently promoted to his 900,000 Instagram followers.

Algaba had been staying in Argentina for a week before his alleged murder. He had rented an apartment and was supposed to return the keys on July 19, but never showed up or answered the phone, according to the property owner’s testimony.

Police have arrested one suspect in connection with Algaba’s death. While the motive remains unclear, authorities suspect that the influencer might have been killed due to his numerous debts.

Algaba’s rise to wealth had a humble beginning, starting work at the age of 14, selling sandwiches from a bicycle. Over the years, he ventured into repairing and reselling vehicles, eventually founding a luxury car and jet ski rental firm in Miami before moving to Barcelona.

However, Algaba’s success wasn’t without its troubles. He accumulated “irrecoverable” debts with Argentina’s tax agency, and his company began bouncing checks not long after incorporation. A note found on his phone revealed losses in cryptocurrency investments.

Moreover, Algaba had run into trouble with a violent gang involved in Argentina’s soccer scene, which demanded a loan payment from him.

His brother, Rodolfo Pérez Algaba, claims that Fernando was not involved in any scams, as some alleged, but was simply a car salesman who didn’t fare well in Bitcoin. He also mentioned that Fernando had received psychiatric treatment for anxiety disorder.

Despite their disagreements, Rodolfo hopes that authorities can apprehend his brother’s killer, seeking justice for the tragic end of the once-prominent businessman.

About the author

Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over three years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.

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