A Manchester Crown Court has sentenced seven gang members for orchestrating a series of kidnappings, violent assaults, and cryptocurrency extortion schemes.
Over several months, the group repeatedly targeted one individual, forcing him to transfer substantial amounts of cryptocurrency to their control. The escalating violence culminated in threats, confinement, and severe physical harm before authorities intervened, bringing the perpetrators to justice.
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Details of the Crimes
The victim’s ordeal began in January 2023, when a gang member confronted him at his home and demanded cryptocurrency. Under threat, he complied, transferring the first of several payments.
Few weeks later in that same month, David Povey and an accomplice armed with a knife returned to extract more funds. The victim once again surrendered cryptocurrency, wishing the intimidation will stop.
In October 2023, the gang’s methods became even more brutal. Gary Edwards, one of the gang members lured the victim to a flat where he was restrained, beaten, and confined overnight. When he couldn’t produce funds immediately, another assailant, Kane Godiff, issued death threats.
Hours of violence passed before the victim was released upon payment. However, the attacks didn’t stop. In one subsequent incident, the gang abducted the victim, covered his head, and subjected him to further threats and physical abuse.
The final assault occurred on November 30, 2023, when Edwards forced the victim into a van and transported him to another location, where he was again assaulted.
Police Intervention and Sentencing
The turning point came on December 2, 2023, when police responded to an anonymous call regarding the victim’s safety. Officers arrived at a property as one of the gang members, Karl Johnson, attempted to flee. Inside, they discovered the severely injured victim pleading for help.
Evidence found at the scene—ranging from firearms and ammunition to blunt weapons and restraining materials—corroborated his account.
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On January 30, 2024, the Manchester Crown Court handed down lengthy prison terms. Jonathan Newns received 20 years for charges including attempted robbery, kidnapping, and firearms possession. David Povey was also sentenced to 20 years for similar offenses. A report read:
The victim said he did not know who was doing this to him but explained that similar incidents had happened several months earlier, but they had let him go as he had paid them more than £100,000.
Other sentences ranged from 13 years and six months for Luke Johnson to two years and four months for Scott Armstrong, who handled the transfer of the extorted cryptocurrency. In total, seven individuals faced significant sentences for their roles in the involvement of violence and extortion.
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