A London court has sentenced four individuals involved in an attempted kidnapping of a Belgian citizen who claimed to be a successful cryptocurrency trader. The criminals lured him to the UK under the guise of a luxurious holiday, hoping to gain access to what they believed were substantial digital assets. However, upon arrival, they discovered the victim’s crypto wallet contained only $9.
The Kidnapping and Failed Ransom
According to The Times, Belgian national Quentin Cepeljac arrived in London in May 2023. He had been invited by a woman he met on social media. Presenting himself as a crypto investor, Cepeljac accepted her offer to organize a stay in a “luxury apartment with comfort and relaxation.”
In reality, he was taken to a regular room in the Shepherd’s Bush area, where three accomplices, including the woman’s boyfriend, were already waiting. They attacked Cepeljac and demanded access to his crypto holdings.
After discovering there was only $9 (£6.71) in the wallet, the attackers reduced their demand - first to $67,000 (£50,000), and eventually agreed to a bank transfer of $2,700 (£2,000). Cepeljac was then released.
Police intercepted the victim at St. Pancras station. Investigators identified the suspects through Airbnb records and mobile phone data. All four were charged and pleaded guilty to blackmail. The case was heard at Isleworth Crown Court.
The Trend of Physical Coercion
Cepeljac’s case is part of a growing pattern known as “wrench attacks” - when criminals use physical force to extract crypto assets, bypassing digital security measures.
A similar incident occurred in France, where a popular TikToker linked to cryptocurrency was kidnapped and held for ransom, only to be released once the captors realized he had no funds.
Previously in London, a tourist entered a fake taxi and lost $123,000 in crypto. Media reports say the incident happened at night and may have been premeditated. The victim had called an Uber but entered a dark sedan instead of the Toyota Prius listed in the app. He was reportedly drugged during the ride.
As such incidents rise, requests for personal security services have increased. Didi Taihuttu’s family, known as “The Bitcoin Family,” has completely overhauled its approach to securing crypto assets following a string of attacks on digital asset holders. Their private keys are now stored in multiple secret locations around the world, ensuring that even if robbed, only a minimal amount would be accessible.
Previously:
- Crypto Investor Kidnaps and Tortures Italian Foreigner Demanding Password to BTC Wallet
- In Paris Armed Attackers Attempt Kidnapping of Crypto Executive’s Daughter
- Three Teenagers in Las Vegas Stole $4 Million in Crypto and NFTs While Threatening the Victim With Violence
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