Ethan Miller / Getty Images
- Pornhub founder Feras Antoon's $20 million mansion went up in flames on Sunday evening.
- Police told VICE they were alerted after two people were spotted on the property.
- More than 80 firefighters spent three hours putting the fire out. The arson squad is investigating.
- See more stories on Insider's business page.
Police are investigating an apparent arson attack after a multi million-dollar mansion owned by Pornhub founder Feras Antoon went up in flames on Sunday evening.
The property, in Montreal's Ahuntsic-Cartierville neighbourhood, was under construction and was listed for sale at nearly $20 million. Antoon is the CEO of Mindgeek, Pornhub's parent company.
A spokesperson for Montreal Police told VICE that officers were called to the mansion at 11:30 p.m. after two people were spotted on the property. When the police arrived, the mansion was up in flames.
Stéphane Grégoire, cameraman for Radio-Canada, captured photos of the blazing fire on Sunday evening.
-Stéphane Grégoire (@Patrouilleur24) April 26, 2021
It took more than 80 firefighters three hours to get the fire under control, according to the spokesperson. No one was hurt but neighbours were forced to evacuate, they added.
The spokesperson also said police officers identified that the fire began inside the mansion.
The arson squad are taking charge of the investigation.
"Over the weekend, a fire occurred at my residence," Antoon told VICE in a statement. "The residence was under construction. I am grateful that my family and I and our neighbours are safe. Out of respect for the ongoing police investigation, I will not be commenting further."
The mansion, covering 61,000 square feet, is still under construction. It was planned to have 21 rooms, including eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms, and nine garages, according to the listing.
It would also have a "Multi Sport Complex" for basketball, volleyball and badminton which could also turn into a ballroom for events, the listing said.