A man held captive by a cryptocurrency gang pleaded for help after enduring severe abuse. His harrowing story reveals the shocking lengths criminals will go to for money.
Irlam: A man was found in a terrible state after being kidnapped. He had a bag over his head and was tied up by a gang involved in cryptocurrency crimes.
This poor guy was drugged, beaten, and even burned. It all started when he answered a knock at his door back in January 2023. A thug named Scott Armstrong threatened him to transfer cryptocurrency.
Later, another guy, David Povey, showed up with a knife, demanding more money. Fast forward to October, and the victim was dragged into a flat by Gary Edwards. He was tied up and forced to send more cash.
If he couldn’t pay right away, they kept him tied up all night. They even locked him in a cupboard and threatened to kill him if he didn’t pay. After they got the money, they let him go.
On December 2, police got an anonymous tip about his welfare. When they arrived, they saw a man running away and found the victim inside. He begged, ‘Can you take me with you?’ and shared his horrific story.
Officers found evidence of his abuse, including a dressing gown strap and electrical cables. He had burn marks and bruises from being hit. The gang had been terrorizing him for months, demanding cryptocurrency.
Detectives discovered weapons at the scene, including a firearm and knives. They also found DNA evidence linking the gang members to the crime. The victim had previously paid them over £100,000 to be let go.
In the end, seven men were sentenced to a total of over 76 years in prison. The police praised the victim for his bravery and hope he can now start to heal from this nightmare.
