John McAfee’s $100M Fortune Vanished Before His Death: What Really Happened?
John McAfee, the controversial tech mogul and antivirus pioneer, reportedly died with nothing left of his once-massive $100 million fortune. According to a biographer, McAfee squandered his wealth on eccentric real estate purchases and financial mismanagement. His widow, Janice McAfee, disputes claims that financial ruin drove him to suicide, insisting he "felt more free" without money. This article dives into the mystery of McAfee's vanished fortune, his bizarre property portfolio, and the lingering questions about his death in a Spanish jail.
How Did John McAfee Lose His $100 Million Fortune?
John McAfee's financial downfall was as dramatic as his life. Biographer Mark Eglinton, who collaborated with McAfee for six months, revealed that the tech entrepreneur couldn't even pay the agreed advance for their book project. McAfee allegedly told Eglinton: "I can't do it, my financial situation is worse than yours."
The majority of McAfee's wealth was tied up in what Eglinton described as "bizarre" properties across multiple countries. He owned real estate in Belize, Colorado, Hawaii, Texas, and Tennessee - but the 2008 recession forced him to sell at massive losses. One property originally valued at $25 million sold at auction for just $5.8 million.
McAfee himself confirmed his financial ruin in one of his final tweets: "The US believes I have hidden crypto. I wish I did but it has dissolved through the many hands of Team McAfee... and my remaining assets are all seized. My friends evaporated through fear of association. I have nothing. Yet, I regret nothing."
John McAfee in his later years (Source: CoinMarketCap Academy)
What Was McAfee's Bizarre Property Portfolio?
McAfee's real estate investments were as unconventional as the man himself. His property collection included:
| Location | Original Value | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Belize Compound | $25 million | $5.8 million |
| Colorado Estate | $12 million | $4.2 million |
| Hawaii Property | $8 million | $3.1 million |
These properties weren't just financial investments - they became stages for McAfee's increasingly erratic behavior. His Belize compound, for instance, was the site of multiple controversies including allegations of running a drug lab and being a "person of interest" in a neighbor's murder.
How Did Janice McAfee Respond to the Reports?
Janice McAfee, John's widow, has pushed back against the narrative that financial ruin contributed to his apparent suicide. Reacting to the Daily Mail's report, she tweeted: "John spoke about being broke numerous times in interviews as well as tweeting about it. This was not John's first time being without money & he was not suicidal because of it. Actually it was quite the opposite. He never felt more free."
She also announced that she had received the police report about her husband's death and would share details after reviewing it with lawyers. Janice has consistently maintained skepticism about the official suicide ruling, hinting at possible foul play in the death of her husband, who was facing extradition to the U.S. on tax evasion charges.
What Were the Circumstances of McAfee's Death?
John McAfee was found dead in his Spanish jail cell on June 23, 2021, hours after a court approved his extradition to the United States to face tax evasion charges. While an autopsy suggested suicide by hanging, the circumstances remain controversial:
- McAfee had repeatedly claimed he would never kill himself
- His extradition battle was ongoing
- He had millions of followers who believed in various conspiracy theories surrounding him
- His widow continues to question the official narrative
The death came after years of McAfee living as a fugitive from U.S. authorities, during which time he became deeply involved in cryptocurrency and cultivated an online persona that blended tech guru, conspiracy theorist, and performance artist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was John McAfee worth when he died?
According to biographer Mark Eglinton and McAfee's own statements, he was essentially broke at the time of his death, having lost his entire $100 million fortune through bad investments, legal troubles, and extravagant spending.
What happened to John McAfee's money?
Most of McAfee's wealth was tied up in various real estate properties that he was forced to sell at significant losses during the 2008 financial crisis. The remainder was allegedly spent on legal battles, his fugitive lifestyle, and supporting his entourage known as "Team McAfee."
Did John McAfee really have no money left?
While McAfee claimed to be broke, some skeptics believe he may have hidden cryptocurrency assets. However, no substantial evidence of hidden wealth has emerged since his death.
Why was John McAfee in jail when he died?
McAfee was arrested in Spain in October 2020 on U.S. tax evasion charges. He was awaiting extradition when he was found dead in his cell.
What did Janice McAfee say about his financial situation?
Janice McAfee acknowledged her husband's financial ruin but insisted it didn't distress him, stating he "never felt more free" than when he had no money.
