Zanzibar Police Question Crypto Founder After Fiancee’s Death

Zanzibar police are holding Joe McCann, founder of the crypto fund Asymmetric, for questioning after his fiancee, 31-year-old Ashly Robinson, was found with a belt around her neck in the hotel room where the couple was staying. Robinson was taken to a local hospital and died on April 9. Authorities have ruled the death a suicide and say McCann is being questioned while an autopsy is completed; his passport has been retained.

Police reported hotel staff discovered Robinson unresponsive and alerted management. Officers said staff described a ‘misunderstanding’ between the couple and that McCann had been moved to another room the night before. Investigators have not released autopsy results and said inquiries are ongoing.

Family members have disputed elements of the official account. Alyssa Endres, Robinson’s sister, told police the circumstances are ‘none of this makes sense’ and said Robinson had been happy after celebrating her birthday and the couple’s recent engagement. The family has requested a full autopsy report and greater transparency from local authorities.

McCann is the founder of Asymmetric, a crypto venture and hedge fund that adjusted its trading strategy last July following investor criticism over underperformance during a period of crypto market volatility. Earlier in the year McCann reported the fund had lost about 80% of its value. A planned merger to take a Solana-focused treasury company public, in which McCann would have had a leading role, was called off in August for undisclosed reasons.

Tanzanian authorities say McCann is cooperating with questioning and has not been charged. Officials said they are holding his passport so he remains available while forensic and legal processes continue. McCann could not be reached for comment. Police statements indicate the investigation remains open while medical examiners complete their work.