Calgary Police Pursue Arsonist in Shocking Bitcoin Extortion Case!

Calgary police are on the hunt for a suspect in a disturbing arson incident linked to a bold attempt to extort bitcoin from local residents.

On November 19th, emergency responders rushed to a suspicious fire at a residence on the 1700 block of 8 Ave. NW, located in the Hillhurst neighborhood. Fortunately, no injuries were reported; however, the front entrance of the house suffered significant damage.

In the aftermath of the fire, alarming reports surfaced from nearby residents who received menacing letters demanding bitcoin payments. One resident shared chilling details with CTV News, revealing that the letter threatened to damage their home unless they complied with a demand for over $1,000 in bitcoin. These threatening letters were left conspicuously at the front doorsteps of multiple homes within the vicinity.

Authorities have identified 21-year-old Finbar Hughes as the primary suspect. He is currently wanted on several serious charges, including causing damage by fire to a dwelling, extortion, and the possession of incendiary materials intended for use in arson.

The police's investigation suggests that Hughes may have deliberately set the fire as part of his extortion scheme. In an urgent plea to the public, law enforcement has released Hughes’s photo in hopes of generating leads. He is described as approximately 6 feet tall, weighing around 175 pounds, with a medium build, brown hair, and blue eyes.

In an eerie twist, authorities revealed that during September and October, there were similar arson cases in Edmonton, and investigators are exploring possible links between these incidents and Hughes's alleged activities.

Authorities urge anyone with information regarding Hughes's whereabouts or the suspicious fire to promptly contact the police at 403-266-1234. This shocking case highlights the increasing intersection of crime and technology, raising critical questions about safety and security in our communities. Don't miss the latest updates on this unfolding story!