London Gang Jailed for Crypto Millionaire Kidnapping Ordeal

Five men have been convicted of false imprisonment and blackmail in a high-profile case involving two French crypto millionaires who were held for 52 hours in an East London flat. The victims, who were in their 20s, were ambushed in Shadwell and driven to the flat in Canning Town. Prosecutor Heidi Stonecliffe KC described what happened as 'cold, hard torture.'

The pair was stripped, bound with tape and cable ties, beaten, and had boiling water poured over them. They eventually transferred $30,000 after the gang demanded $150,000. Neither victim testified in person, saying they were too afraid of the gang.

Prosecutors said that the men's lifestyles, much of which was posted on social media, may have drawn the gang's attention. Defence barristers argued that there was no kidnap and that the Frenchmen had come to east London to buy cannabis, with the demands being largely legitimate. However, Stonecliffe rejected this argument, pointing to the aggressive demands made by one gang member to the Airbnb.

The case is a rare example of a conviction of this kind being secured without victim testimony. Three of those found guilty have previous convictions for manslaughter, robbery, and possessing a handgun with ammunition. They will be sentenced in September along with the other three men convicted in the case.