Montreal Couple Targeted in Bitcoin Home Invasion: Man Sentenced to 10 Years

A Montreal family’s harrowing experience with a violent home invasion and cryptocurrency theft has resulted in a 10-year prison sentence for one of the perpetrators. The case, detailed in court proceedings this week, underscores the growing danger of “wrench attacks” – brutal robberies targeting individuals with digital assets.

The ordeal began at 5:00 AM when the wife, identified in court documents as Marie*, was awakened by a firearm pointed at her face. According to Judge Karine Giguère’s sentencing remarks, Marie was forced to descend the stairs naked and kneel before her husband, William*, who was already restrained. She herself was then bound as her husband endured a violent assault.

Joe-Marshall Altidort, 22, pleaded guilty last summer to multiple charges including breaking and entering, armed robbery, and use of a fake firearm. He and unidentified accomplices targeted the couple’s home in Île-Bizard, Montreal, in June 2023, acting on information about William’s cryptocurrency holdings.

“Altidort knew what he was doing. He premeditated it. All of this to obtain money for his idle lifestyle. He did not hesitate for a single instant to use great violence against vulnerable people… even as a baby cries on the scene,” Judge Giguère stated.

A Desperate 911 Call

The invasion unfolded with chilling speed. William was confronted by three masked, armed men as he exited the house. Held at gunpoint and threatened with a knife to the throat, he was ordered to transfer his Bitcoin to an exchange platform.

Meanwhile, Marie was roused from bed, a pistol pressed against her temple. Their baby was crying upstairs. She attempted to reach the child, but a robber prevented her, snatching the infant from her arms and dragging her downstairs by the hair.

Amidst the chaos, William managed to contact 911 via his smartwatch. Enraged, the assailants intensified their assault. Marie, however, seized an opportunity to free herself and escape to a neighbor’s house. William also managed to break free and flee the scene.

The three intruders ultimately fled empty-handed, having only stolen cash and jewelry. Despite the violence, they failed to acquire any cryptocurrency.

A “Ruthless” Crime

The defense argued for a five-year sentence, citing Altidort’s apparent attempts at rehabilitation, his young age, and expressions of remorse. Judge Giguère, however, found these arguments unconvincing, concluding that a more substantial penalty was necessary to emphasize the severity of the crime and deter others.

Aggravating factors included the significant harm inflicted on the victims, a moderate risk of recidivism, the gratuitous nature of the violence, and Altidort’s prior criminal record. The judge noted that Altidort had boasted to an undercover officer about previous acts of violence, including acid attacks and arson.

Judge Giguère emphasized the seriousness of “home invasion” as an aggravating factor under the Canadian Criminal Code, referencing the views of former Quebec Court Judge Conrad Chapdelaine. “The message must be clear. Such crimes, committed ruthlessly, against people in the safety of their homes, must result in very severe penalties. The protection and security of all members of society depends on it,” she stated.

“Such a crime also causes [damage] to all members of society. Fear sets in among the population. We become more anxious, more distrustful of others, of the unknown. We isolate ourselves, we protect ourselves, we barricade ourselves; we refuse to help someone we do not know,” she added.

Judge Giguère aligned with the Crown’s recommendation and imposed a 10-year prison sentence on Altidort.

Véronique Warthold represented the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions, while Ramy El Turaby defended Altidort.

*Fictitious first name