A Toronto man, Keyron Moore, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for kidnapping a woman and demanding a $1 million Bitcoin ransom. Three years of his sentence will count for time already served. The crime happened in 2022 and left the victim, A.T., severely traumatized.
On November 1, 2022, A.T. was taken at gunpoint outside a Thornhill plaza. Moore and his accomplices forced her into a car and drove her to a garage in Barrie. She was beaten, burned, and threatened with a syringe filled with fentanyl.
The kidnappers demanded $1 million in Bitcoin. Moore also threatened her with a gun to force sexual acts. The victim managed to escape and called for help from a neighbor.
Justice M. Townsend sentenced Moore in Newmarket. He received concurrent sentences for forcible confinement, sexual assault with a firearm, and reckless discharge of a firearm. Moore also faces a lifetime ban on owning weapons and must register as a sex offender for 20 years.
A minor accomplice, identified as S.M., was also convicted and will be sentenced on October 3 in Oshawa. Moore is not allowed to contact S.M. while in prison.
This case shows how criminals are targeting cryptocurrency for violent crimes and activities. Bitcoin and other digital currencies have become a focus for extortion. Police treat these crimes as seriously as traditional kidnapping or robbery. Cases like this are sometimes called “$5 wrench attacks,” where victims are forced to hand over crypto under threat of violence.
A.T. shared the lasting impact of the attack. She said she fears going outside alone and feels constantly watched. The attack caused both physical and psychological trauma. This shows how serious crimes in crypto can be.
The authorities hope the harsh sentence could set an example and a strong message. Criminals who demand Bitcoin through threats or violence will face severe punishment. The case also highlights the growing need for awareness and safety for crypto holders.
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