UK Crypto Broker Escapes Kidnappers By Jumping From Balcony

According to Cointelegraph, a UK-based cryptocurrency broker narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt by leaping 30 feet from a balcony. The incident occurred after the broker was lured to an apartment in Estepona, Spain, under the pretense of having drinks. Upon arrival, he was threatened by three British men who demanded $30,917 (30,000 euros) from his clients' accounts, warning him of torture or death if he refused. The broker cleverly managed to alert authorities by pretending to call a customer for access codes, instead contacting a friend in London. This friend then informed the victim's mother, who alerted the police. Spanish authorities quickly located the apartment. During the police intervention, the broker seized the opportunity to escape by jumping from the balcony, resulting in broken ankles. He was promptly taken to a hospital for medical attention. A search of the apartment revealed two firearms, 10,000 euros ($10,305), a money counter, three knives, and 25 grams of pink cocaine. The three suspects were arrested and charged with kidnapping, wounding, criminal organization involvement, illegal weapon possession, and drug trafficking. They have been remanded in custody following a court appearance. This incident highlights a troubling trend of in-person cryptocurrency robberies. In October, blockchain investigator ZachXBT noted an increase in reports of crypto home invasion thefts in Western Europe. Jameson Lopp, co-founder of self-custodial firm Casa, has documented numerous offline crypto robberies globally since 2014, including a notable case involving an attempt to extort 1,000 Bitcoin from computer scientist Hal Finney. In a recent case, criminals in Brazil forced a couple to transfer $16,000 in cryptocurrency. Lopp's records indicate nine such incidents have occurred this year alone, with 28 reported in 2024, 17 in 2023, and 32 in 2021. These statistics underscore the persistent risk of physical threats faced by individuals involved in the cryptocurrency sector.