One year on from the attack, his mother is urging university students to remain vigilant.
A university student was held at knifepoint for 20 minutes and forced to transfer Bitcoin to a gang of eight men, it has emerged.
According to Kent Online in the U.K., the ordeal happened on Sept. 21, 2020 — and the victim’s mother is now sharing his story to ensure that teenagers starting university this week remain vigilant.
The report suggests that the victim was forced to hand over passwords for financial apps, and was left so traumatized by the attack that he had to move home and receive counselling afterwards.
At the time, the Bitcoin handed over was worth $8,220 — but at today’s rates, it would have been worth $33,373.
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What Happened Next?
Although police did launch an investigation into the incident — and performed analysis of Bitcoin wallets in an attempt to follow the money — none of the eight men were charged. Three men had initially been arrested on suspicion of robbery, but there wasn’t enough evidence.
This week marks freshers’ week in the U.K., when 18-year-olds move out of their family homes for the first time to begin their studies in a new city.
Warning students to remain vigilant, the victim’s mother added:
“The police commonly call freshers' week 'fishing week' because all the criminals come down. They know the students have got grants, laptops and new stuff. Attacks, assaults and muggings are quite common across the country.”
