Kidnapped businessman kept in cage by bitcoin ransom gang

A wealthy Chinese businessman who was kidnapped at gunpoint from a prestigious UK golf course was threatened with a knife, beaten, and held in a cage for over 30 hours by a crypto ransom gang demanding $15 million in bitcoin, UK prosecutors allege.

As reported by the BBC, Dylan Huang was golfing at Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire in October 2023 when five individuals allegedly ambushed him and forced him into a car.

Prosecutors say the gang then bound Huang and drove him to a property in Surrey where he was caged, blindfolded, and had his mouth taped shut.

It’s claimed that the gang demanded millions of dollars in bitcoin and that Huang offered to sell his stocks and shares to the gang while also attempting to source various loans from his friends.

Read more: Russian crypto miner held hostage on Christmas day

Prosecutors said, “After several hours it seemed the kidnappers were getting angry. They started to hurt him — hitting his leg with some sort of object.”

The ordeal supposedly took 30 hours, during which time Huang is said to have been fed but wasn’t allowed to use the toilet. Prosecutors say Huang was eventually released and dropped off near another golf club in Surrey.

Thirty-five-year-old Tianfu Guo was arrested after police tracked his car using remote ANPR cameras. He is standing trial at St Albans Crown Court, accused of conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to blackmail, and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He denies any involvement in the plot and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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