Crypto gang jailed for over 76 years after kidnapping and torture in a $124,000 extortion plot

A gang that kidnapped and tortured a vulnerable man to steal his cryptocurrency has been jailed for over 76 years, according to a UK news outlet.

This week, the gang of seven appeared at Manchester Crown Court to be sentenced for their roles in the kidnapping, torture, and extortion of $124,000 in cryptocurrency, reported the Warrington Guardian.

The case detailed how the victim was repeatedly targeted, assaulted, and forced to transfer £100,000 ($124,152) worth of cryptocurrency over several months.

The victim's ordeal reported last for many months

The ordeal began in January 2023 when the victim was confronted at his home by a man demanding cryptocurrency. Fearing for his life, he transferred money to gang member Scott Armstrong.

Later that month, David Povey and another man returned, this time armed with a knife, and forced him to hand over more funds. The victim complied, hoping the harassment would stop.

In October 2023, the victim was lured to an address in Greater Manchester, where Gary Edwards dragged him inside, tied him up, and forced him to send more money. When he could not pay immediately, he was reportedly restrained overnight, subjected to violent assaults, and locked in a cupboard. Kane Godiff threatened to kill him if he failed to pay. After receiving the money, the gang released him.

Days later, they targeted him again, taking him to a different property in Manchester. There, they placed a bag over his head and demanded more money.

The police were eventually notified through an anonymous phonecall

The final incident took place on Nov. 30, 2023, when the victim was at a friend's home. Gary Edwards approached him, threw him into a van, and covered his head.

On Dec. 2, 2023, police received an anonymous call about the victim’s welfare. When officers arrived at the scene, gang member Karl Johnson attempted to flee. Inside the house, they found the terrified victim, who reportedly pleaded, “Can you take me with you?”

The Warrington Guardian reported that the victim had burn marks on his hand, bruises across his body, and injuries from being beaten with weapons. Officers also discovered chilling evidence, including a gun, ammunition, machetes, knives, a baseball bat, ropes, and cable ties used to restrain him.