London Gang Convicted of Torturing French Crypto Millionaires

Five men have been convicted of false imprisonment in connection with the kidnapping and torture of two French cryptocurrency millionaires in London last July. The victims, both in their 20s, were ambushed in Shadwell and taken to a flat in Canning Town where they were held for 52 hours. Prosecutor Heidi Stonecliffe KC described the ordeal as 'cold, hard torture', noting that the pair were stripped, bound with tape and cable ties, beaten, and had boiling water poured over them.

The gang demanded $150,000 from the victims, who eventually transferred $30,000 after several hours. The men's lifestyles, which included posting about their wealth on social media, may have drawn the attention of the gang. The victims declined to testify in person due to fear of retaliation.

Three of those found guilty had previous convictions for serious crimes, including manslaughter and robbery. The case is a rare example of a conviction being secured without victim testimony. The men will be sentenced in September.