A UK gang that kidnapped, tortured, and extorted a cryptocurrency investor has been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Jan. 30. The victim endured months of violence and was forced to transfer a total of $124,152 worth of cryptocurrency over several months.
Victim Forced to Transfer Over $124,000 in Cryptocurrency. Source: XVictim Endures Months of Violence and Crypto Extortion
The attacks began in January 2023 when a man confronted the victim at his home, demanding cryptocurrency. Fearing for his life, the victim transferred money to gang member Scott Armstrong, hoping the ordeal would end. However, the gang continued to target him. Later that month, David Povey and another man returned to his home armed with a knife. They forced him to transfer more funds. Despite complying, the victim remained a target.
In October 2023, the gang escalated their violence. Gary Edwards lured the victim to an apartment, tied him up, and locked him in a cupboard overnight. When he was unable to make an immediate payment, another attacker, Kane Godiff, threatened to kill him. The victim suffered hours of violence before the gang finally released him after receiving the demanded amount.
Days later, the gang attacked again. This time, they forced him into a house, covered his head with a bag, and subjected him to further threats and physical abuse. The final attack occurred on November 30, 2023, when Edwards approached the victim at a friend’s house. He forcibly threw him into a van, covered his head, and transported him to an undisclosed location.
Police Raid Rescues Hostage from Brutal Captors
On December 2, 2023, police received an anonymous call regarding the victim’s welfare. When officers arrived at the location, they saw gang member Karl Johnson fleeing. Inside, they found the terrified victim, who immediately pleaded, “Can you take me with you?”
The victim had burn marks on his hand, bruises across his body, and injuries from being beaten with weapons. The police also discovered disturbing evidence, including a gun, ammunition, machetes, knives, a baseball bat, ropes, and cable ties used to restrain him. The extent of the injuries and the evidence found at the scene confirmed the brutal nature of the attacks.
Manchester Court Hands Down Prison Sentences
On January 30, Manchester Crown Court sentenced the gang members to lengthy prison terms. Jonathan Newns, 24, received a 20-year sentence for attempted robbery, kidnap, false imprisonment, and possession of a firearm. David Povey, 34, was also sentenced to 20 years for robbery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and attempted robbery.
Luke Johnson, 25, was sentenced to 13 years and six months for attempted robbery, false imprisonment, and kidnapping. Gary Edwards, 47, received a 10-year and two-month sentence for attempted robbery. Kane Godiff, 33, was sentenced to seven years and five months for attempted robbery.
Karl Johnson, 35, was sentenced to three years for assisting robbery, while Scott Armstrong, 39, received two years and four months for transferring criminal property. The court ruled that their repeated attacks on the victim were premeditated and showed extreme cruelty.
Rising Threats Against Crypto Investors
This case highlights the increasing risk faced by cryptocurrency investors. According to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, ransomware gangs extorted more than $1.1 billion in crypto payments in 2023.
Ransomware gangs extorted over $1.1 billion in crypto payments in 2023. Source: ChainalysisCriminals have increasingly targeted individuals with significant holdings in digital assets.
Recently, French crypto executive David Balland, co-founder of hardware wallet manufacturer Ledger, was kidnapped from his home in France on January 21. His captors demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency. He was rescued the following day after police intervened.
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