Russian court sentences three knife-wielding robbers for cryptocurrency heist: sentenced to five years in prison

On March 5, it was reported that the Leninsky District Court of Omsk, Russia, recently sentenced three men aged 21 to 23 for a violent robbery targeting cryptocurrency holders. They were convicted of breaking into a residence with knives and attempting to force the victim to hand over crypto assets, and received five-year prison sentences.

According to the Omsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office on Telegram, the three defendants broke into an unnamed victim’s apartment, threatened him with knives, and assaulted him, demanding the transfer of cryptocurrencies and cash. During the trial, prosecutors stated that the suspects used violence and intimidation to try to coerce the victim into transferring assets.

The investigation revealed that the attack occurred on April 10, 2024. The suspects targeted the victim because one of their accomplices had previously delivered a package to that address as a courier and learned that the victim might hold crypto assets. The accomplice then shared this information with the others, facilitating the crime.

CCTV footage submitted by the police shows that on the night of the incident, the three defendants approached the apartment building wearing masks and hoods, and tricked the victim into opening the door. Once inside, they threatened him with knives and used violence to try to force him to transfer his cryptocurrencies.

However, the attack was quickly noticed by neighbors. Suspicious noises from the apartment prompted a neighbor to check on the situation, causing the three suspects to hurriedly flee the scene. They left without obtaining any crypto or cash.

Although the three defendants denied involvement in the crime in court, the court found them guilty based on surveillance footage and other evidence, sentencing them to serve time in a maximum-security prison. The court also ordered each of them to pay over $5,000 in compensation to the victim.

In recent years, violent crimes against cryptocurrency holders have been increasing worldwide. Industry insiders refer to such cases as “wrench attacks,” where criminals use violence or threats to force victims to surrender digital assets. Data shows that in the first two months of 2026 alone, nearly ten kidnapping or assault incidents targeting crypto entrepreneurs, investors, and their families have been reported.

Russia’s judicial system has recently intensified efforts to combat such crimes. In November 2025, a court in western Russia sentenced two assailants to prison for robbing a blogger of $171,000 worth of crypto. Currently, a court in Kazan is hearing another case involving seven suspects accused of assaulting and coercing a man to transfer $42,000 worth of crypto assets.