Crypto thieves attacked man in home and threatened to kill pregnant wife's baby in 'horrific' robbery
A businessman and his pregnant wife were subjected to a violent home invasion by masked attackers demanding cryptocurrency. The perpetrators used hammers to assault the victim while coordinating the theft via a live video call.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the rising trend of 'wrench attacks,' where physical violence is used to coerce victims into transferring digital assets, posing a new security challenge for crypto investors.
Figure caption, WATCH: Crypto thieves attack man in home and threaten him and his pregnant wife
Warning: This story contains distressing details
A businessman was beaten with hammers by masked men who broke into his home and threatened to kill his heavily pregnant wife unless he transferred hundreds of thousands of pounds of cryptocurrency.
Speaking to the BBC, the couple, who want to remain anonymous, described the attack as "horrific" and said they feared for their unborn baby's life.
The attackers left in a car driven by a getaway driver after the man transferred his crypto savings.
Crimestoppers are offering a £10,000 reward for information in the attack, which was captured on home security footage and is being investigated by the police.
Experts say it is one of a growing type of violent theft known as a "wrench attack" targeting cryptocurrency investors.
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