A court in Manchester has sentenced seven gang members for kidnapping and forcing a man to hand over more than $124,000 in cryptocurrency.
According to a report from the Greater Manchester Police on January 30, the group repeatedly targeted the victim over nearly a year.
The first incident happened in January 2023 when a man confronted the victim at home and demanded cryptocurrency. The victim unwillingly sent money to Scott Armstrong, one of the gang members.
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In October 2023, the victim was beaten and locked in a cupboard after being lured to an apartment by Gary Edwards. Meanwhile, Kane Godiff threatened him if he could not transfer money immediately.
The final attack happened on November 30, 2023, when Edwards grabbed the victim from a friend’s house, forced him into a van, and took him to another place.
On December 2, 2023, police received an anonymous tip and found the victim at a house. They also discovered weapons, including a gun, machetes, knives, and restraints.
On January 30, the court handed down lengthy prison sentences to the gang members. Jonathan Newns and David Povey were each sentenced to 20 years for robbery, kidnapping, and other charges.
Godiff received seven years and five months, Karl Johnson was sentenced to three years, and Armstrong received two years and four months. Luke Johnson received 13 years and six months, while Edwards was sentenced to just over 10 years.
Meanwhile, French police recently arrested seven people tied to the kidnapping and assault of a crypto entrepreneur and his wife. How did the case go? Read the full story.
