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A group of masked men armed with hammers forced a man to transfer a significant sum of cryptocurrency by threatening the life of his pregnant spouse.
Crimestoppers announced a £10,000 reward last month after a young couple, wishing to remain anonymous, was attacked in their residence located in the Smith’s Wood neighborhood of Solihull, West Midlands.
The couple, who were anticipating the arrival of their third child, faced this terrifying ordeal after returning home around 5:20 PM on Saturday, December 13 of the previous year.
As they opened their front door, three men exited a nearby vehicle and aggressively entered their home alongside the couple.
Believed to be a premeditated attack, the assailants demanded cryptocurrency transfers, with guidance provided by a fourth accomplice via video call.
The victim described his experience during the harrowing 45-minute incident to the BBC, stating that one assailant placed a pillow over his wife’s face. He recounted, “He’s literally suffocating her on the sofa. I can hear her screaming: ‘I can’t breathe.’”
Regarding the man directing the robbery through video, he noted, “I heard him on FaceTime saying: ‘Show me everything on his phone. Show me what apps he’s using.’
“He explicitly threatened: ‘If you don’t transfer the funds now, we will stab your wife in the abdomen and kill your baby. We will end your wife’s life.’”
Alongside the cryptocurrency, several Rolex watches were stolen from the victim’s home. He expressed to the BBC that he was a casual crypto investor who had earned enough profits to leave his job in 2023 and trade full-time.
“They threatened my wife and my unborn child,” the man, who sustained severe injuries, remarked. “People need to understand that these dangers are real.”
Crimestoppers released a statement last month, accompanied by surveillance footage of the intruders entering the house. They noted that the suspects departed in what is believed to be a black BMW X3.
All suspects are estimated to be in their twenties, with one described as a Black male bearing a small diagonal scar beneath his left eyebrow.
West Midlands Police is currently investigating the robbery and has confirmed that the female victim was also threatened with a knife.
Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for exclusive information leading to the capture and prosecution of the criminals involved.
Individuals can report details to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or through their website.
Alan Edwards, the regional manager of Crimestoppers in West Midlands, stated: “This was a vulnerable family, preparing for the arrival of a new baby.”
“We recognize that reporting such incidents can be intimidating. That’s why our charity is here. We’re not the police, don’t request your identity, can’t trace your IP, and you will never be required to provide a statement or appear in court. In nearly 40 years, we’ve maintained that assurance.”
“If this issue has been weighing on your mind, please share it with us to help ensure the safety of our communities. You can aid this family without revealing your identity.”