Seven UK Gang Members Sentenced for Abducting and Assaulting Cryptocurrency Investor

Seven individuals associated with a UK gang have received lengthy prison sentences for the kidnapping, torture, and extortion of a cryptocurrency investor.

The group targeted their victim over several months, compelling him to transfer approximately £100,000 ($124,152) in cryptocurrency before law enforcement intervened.

The incident began in January 2023 when the victim was initially confronted at his residence by an individual demanding cryptocurrency.

Gang Members Increased Threats Even After Receiving Payments

Concerned for his safety, he acquiesced and sent funds to gang member Scott Armstrong. However, the intimidation did not cease there.

Later that month, gang members David Povey and another accomplice heightened their threats.

Armed with a knife, they coerced the victim into handing over additional funds. Despite complying, he remained a target.

By October 2023, the gang’s assaults escalated. One member, Gary Edwards, deceived the victim into a flat, where he was restrained, beaten, and confined in a cupboard overnight.

When he failed to make an immediate payment, another gang member, Kane Godiff, threatened his life.

The victim endured hours of brutality before finally being released, but only after the attackers received the amount they demanded.

A few days later, the victim was abducted again. This time, he was taken to a house, had a bag placed over his head, and was subjected to further threats and violence.

The situation reached a critical point on November 30, 2023, when Edwards confronted him at a friend’s residence.

The victim was forced into a van, had his head covered, and was transported to yet another location.

The victim’s ordeal concluded on December 2, 2023, when police received an anonymous tip regarding his safety.

#JAILED | Criminal gang who kidnapped vulnerable man for cryptocurrency jailed for 76 years
Today (Thursday 30 January) the men appeared at Manchester Crown Court to be sentenced for their roles.
More: https://t.co/RNT4WVaIGn pic.twitter.com/GaIWLPsgdB

— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) January 30, 2025

Officers arrived at the scene and observed gang member Karl Johnson attempting to flee. Inside the residence, they found the frightened victim, who immediately implored them, “Can you take me with you?”

He had sustained injuries, including burn marks on his hand and bruises all over his body, as well as wounds from being struck with weapons.

The authorities also uncovered a troubling stockpile of weapons, including a firearm, ammunition, machetes, knives, a baseball bat, ropes, and cable ties used for restraining him.

Court Charges Gang Members

On January 30, 2024, Manchester Crown Court imposed significant prison sentences on the gang members involved in the violent kidnapping and extortion case.

Jonathan Newns, 24, received a 20-year sentence for attempted robbery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and possession of a firearm.

David Povey, 34, was also sentenced to 20 years for robbery, kidnapping, and false imprisonment.

Luke Johnson, 25, was given 13 years and 6 months for attempted robbery, false imprisonment, and kidnapping.

This case underscores the increasing dangers faced by cryptocurrency investors, who have increasingly become targets of violent crimes.

A recent Chainalysis report indicated that ransomware gangs extorted over $1.1 billion in cryptocurrency payments in 2023 alone.

The incident also follows a concerning trend of kidnappings involving prominent figures in the cryptocurrency space.

On January 21, 2024, David Balland, co-founder of the Ledger hardware wallet company, was abducted from his home in France.

He was held captive until police secured his release the following day after his captors demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency.

The post Seven UK Gang Members Jailed for Kidnapping and Torturing Crypto Investor appeared first on Cryptonews.