Three UK robbers jailed for up to six years over attack on crypto investor
A British court has sentenced three men to between five and six years in prison for a violent home invasion in Bristol. The attackers assaulted the homeowner and demanded a large sum in cryptocurrency but were arrested before they could complete the robbery.
Avon and Somerset Police announced the sentences. The attack took place in the early hours of May 15, 2026.
Men convicted over attempted cryptocurrency robbery. Source: Avon and Somerset Police.
The attackers broke into the victim's home and struck him on the head, causing a serious injury that required hospitalization. The victim's teenage sister managed to call the police, who arrested all three men at the scene.
Attackers sentenced to five to six years in prison
The defendants were 31-year-old Terroll Paul, 37-year-old Mohamed Samagassi and 30-year-old Pierre Madzou. All three pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary in August.
Bristol Crown Court sentenced Paul to six years in prison, Madzou to five and a half years, and Samagassi to five years.
Detective Gemma Childs praised the exceptional bravery of the victim's sister. She said the teenager's prompt call to police enabled officers to arrest the offenders and prevent further harm to her brother.
The victim told the court that the attack had seriously affected his mental well-being. He said he had previously considered himself sociable and outgoing but now constantly experiences tension and anxiety.
Police did not disclose the amount of cryptocurrency demanded by the attackers. Authorities also did not report that any digital assets had been stolen.
Physical attacks on cryptocurrency holders are increasing
The Bristol incident is another example of a so-called wrench attack, in which criminals use physical violence or threats to force cryptocurrency holders to surrender their digital assets.
According to CertiK, global losses from such crimes reached $124 million in the first half of 2026. That represents a twelvefold increase compared with the same period last year.
France has experienced a particularly sharp rise in these crimes. Since the beginning of 2026, local authorities have recorded more than 77 incidents involving kidnappings, extortion and attempted attacks linked to cryptocurrencies.
In response, French authorities have announced plans to strengthen protections for digital asset holders. The additional measures aim to prevent attacks and improve the safety of potential victims.
Earlier, we reported that a British cryptocurrency trader reported an armed robbery in which nearly $800,000 was allegedly stolen. The incident renewed attention to the risks of physical violence targeting cryptocurrency holders.
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