London Gang Convicted of Kidnapping Barber They Thought Was a Bitcoin Billionaire—He Wasn't
Four individuals in London were convicted for kidnapping a Belgian barber, Quentin Cepeljac, after he falsely claimed to possess a significant crypto fortune online. The gang ambushed him with weapons, demanding access to his crypto wallet, but found only $9. They subsequently extorted $2,700 from his bank account. This incident, part of a growing trend of "wrench attacks," targets individuals flaunting perceived crypto wealth on social media. The attackers had lured Cepeljac to London under false pretenses, and after realizing he had no substantial assets, they released him. Experts warn that showcasing wealth online invites criminal attention, while some argue that the focus on "flex culture" distracts from the responsibility of the criminals.
