A brutal violent crypto robbery targeted a Solihull businessman and his heavily pregnant wife, as masked attackers invaded their home. The harrowing 45-minute ordeal saw the couple subjected to extreme violence and terrifying threats. Police are now investigating, and a £10,000 reward has been offered for information.
The victim, an amateur cryptocurrency investor, recounted how three intruders forced their way into his residence. He attempted to fight them off but was repeatedly struck with hammers on his head, face, and ribs. Meanwhile, his seven-months pregnant wife was held down on a sofa, with a pillow pressed over her face, leaving her struggling to breathe.
Initially, the couple remained unaware of the criminals’ demands. However, the situation quickly escalated when attackers demanded access to the man’s phone. It became clear the assailants were taking instructions from an accomplice connected via a live video call. This individual guided them to the victim’s substantial crypto wallet.
The threats then turned horrifyingly specific. The man on the call ordered the gang to stab the wife in the stomach and kill her baby if the funds were not transferred immediately. Fearing for their unborn child’s life, the businessman complied, transferring hundreds of thousands of pounds in cryptocurrency. The intruders also stole several luxury Rolex watches before fleeing in a waiting getaway car.
Both victims, who wish to remain anonymous, described the experience as “horrific.” The wife, in her early thirties, later gave birth to a healthy baby, but the stress of the attack had been immense. The businessman, who had quit his job to trade crypto full-time, has now lost his entire savings and plans to return to traditional employment.
This incident exemplifies a disturbing trend known as “wrench attacks,” highlighting the growing risk of violent crypto robberies targeting investors. Such assaults have seen a significant rise in recent years across the UK, France, and the US. According to experts, recovering funds once transferred digitally is extremely difficult.
Crimestoppers is actively seeking public assistance. They hope to identify the three attackers, described as being in their late teens or early 20s, with one being a black male featuring a scar under his left eyebrow. Additionally, information on the unmasked getaway driver or the orchestrator on the video call could prove crucial. The charity assures complete anonymity for informants, highlighting the organised nature of these criminals.
The victim holds little hope of recovering his stolen assets. However, he is determined to see justice served and hopes his ordeal serves as a stark warning to other crypto holders about the very real risks involved in digital asset ownership.
