Russian billionaire killed in helicopter crash in third mysterious crypto-boss death

A Russian billionaire and cryptocurrency businessman has died in a helicopter, becoming the third mysterious crypto-related death in the last month.

Vyacheslav Taran, 53, died after the helicopter he was travelling in plunged to the ground near the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer after taking flight from Lausanne in Switzerland.

There are now questions surrounding the circumstances of his death after the crash happened in good weather on 25 November at around 1:00pm. A passenger who was meant to join the flight reportedly cancelled at the last minute which has also raised suspicions.

He was one of the minds behind Hong Kong-based company Amber Group, having started out as a market trader for Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.

"He put his heart and soul into the company, in every stage of its growth. He led by example with his intellect, generosity, humility, diligence and creativity."

His family had become concerned for his welfare and mental health leading to his death but are satisfied that there was no foul play involved.

A 35-year-old French pilot was also killed in the crash that killed Taran, who was the co-founder of training investment platform Libertex and Forex Club.

He is survived by his three children whom she shared with his wife Olga. Taran had lived in Monaco for the past 10 years.

The board of directors at Liberty Group shared their condolences upon the news of Taran’s untimely death. “It is with great sadness that Libertex Group confirms the death of its co-founder and chairman of board of directors, Vyacheslav Taran, after a helicopter crash that took place en route to Monaco on Friday, 25 November 2022,” the statement reads.

“The board of directors of Libertex Group and company employees extend their most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the Taran family.”

An investigation has been launched into the circumstances of the crash by French authorities and Airbus, the manufacturers of the H130 helicopter.