Masked men, a luxury watch and £1.1m in crypto: the story behind a kidnap and cryptocurrency robbery

Police investigating a kidnap and cryptocurrency robbery in Oxford have arrested four men after masked attackers forced their way into a car and stole a luxury watch and more than £1.1 million in digital assets.

Two men and three women were travelling in the vehicle on the afternoon of 4 November when several men wearing face coverings climbed inside. Over about thirty minutes, one victim was compelled to transfer cryptocurrency out of their account, while a watch worth around £450,000 was also taken.

Thames Valley Police described the inquiry as “complex”, involving house to house enquiries, CCTV reviews, automatic number plate recognition, digital and forensic work, and specialist cryptocurrency and financial analysis.

Det Sgt Stuart McMaster said: “Thames Valley Police has been conducting a thorough investigation into these offences. We have carried out warrants in a number of locations and made several arrests. Our work continues to ensure everyone involved is identified.”

Four men, aged between 19 and 37, have been arrested on suspicion of offences including robbery, kidnap and fraud related activity. They are from London, Kent and Birmingham and have been released on police bail while further enquiries take place.

Officers are appealing for witnesses or footage of three vehicles linked to the kidnap and cryptocurrency robbery: a black BMW saloon car, a blue Hyundai Ioniq and a silver Mercedes Benz Vito. The vehicles were seen in the area of Yarnton Road and Sandy Lane between Kidlington and Yarnton, and later around Five Mile Drive, Carey Close, Rotherfield Road and Kirk Close in Oxford between 13:00 and 16:00 on the day of the robbery.

Police say the victims are being supported as the investigation continues. They have encouraged anyone with dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage from those locations and times to come forward. People who prefer not to speak directly to officers can share details anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Investigators say the kidnap and cryptocurrency robbery highlights how organised crime groups are now targeting both luxury items and digital assets, moving between physical force and online transfers in a single incident. Detectives have not ruled out further arrests.

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