Aptos (apt) 
Manchester Court Sentences 7 Individuals to 76 Years in Prison for Crypto Theft
A Manchester, U.K. court has sentenced seven individuals to a combined 76 years in prison for kidnapping, assault, and stealing £100,000 in cryptocurrency from a single victim. The case highlights the growing threat of crypto crimes and the importance of protecting digital assets.
The gang, led by Scott Armstrong, David Povey, Gary Edwards, Kane Godiff, Karl Johnson, and two others, carried out a series of violent actions against a Manchester resident. The attacks began in January 2023, with Armstrong threatening the victim at his home and extorting an undisclosed amount of cryptocurrency.
The Escalating Crimes
Over time, the crimes escalated from intimidation to full-blown kidnappings and torture. In one instance, Edwards and Godiff abducted the victim, transported him to a separate location, tied him up, and threatened to kill him if he did not surrender more cryptocurrency. The victim complied, hoping to end the ordeal, but the attacks continued.
The situation reached its peak on November 30, 2023, when Edwards kidnapped the victim again and made further threats on his life. An anonymous caller, likely a witness, tipped off the police on December 2, leading to the arrest of the gang members.
The Investigation and Arrests
Upon arrival, police found the victim restrained, with multiple burn marks and injuries from several weapons. They also found a gun, live rounds, ropes, machetes, and knives on the premises. The victim reportedly told police, “Can you take me with you?” when he was rescued.
The investigation revealed that the gang stole a total of £100,000 ($124,000) in cryptocurrency. However, it remains unclear which specific digital assets were taken or whether the attackers attempted to launder the funds to conceal their crimes.
“The severity of the sentences reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed by this gang.”
Tips for Protecting Your Cryptocurrency
To avoid falling victim to similar crypto crimes, consider the following tips:
- Use reputable exchanges and wallets to store your cryptocurrency.
- Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
- Keep your private keys secure and never share them with anyone.
- Be cautious of phishing scams and never respond to suspicious emails or messages.
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