Life Sentences in India’s Biggest Bitcoin Ransom Case
14 get life in 2018 Bitcoin extortion case involving 176 BTC and ₹32 Cr ransom.
- Gujarat court delivers verdict in 2018 Bitcoin ransom case
- Businessman kidnapped, forced to give 176 BTC + ₹32 Cr
- Strong message sent in India’s largest crypto crime case
In a significant legal development, a Gujarat court has sentenced 14 individuals to life imprisonment for their role in a major Bitcoin ransom case dating back to 2018. This verdict marks a decisive moment in one of India’s largest crypto-related crime scandals.
Businessman Kidnapped for Crypto and Cash
The incident began in 2018 when a group of individuals, including some with political links, kidnapped a businessman from Gujarat. The victim was coerced into transferring 176 Bitcoins—then worth crores—along with ₹32 crore in cash.
This high-profile crime exposed how digital assets could be used to demand untraceable ransoms. Authorities tracked the flow of Bitcoin using blockchain forensics, which helped trace the crypto back to the victim and strengthen the prosecution’s case.
Strong Verdict Sends Warning to Crypto Criminals
This verdict sends a strong signal that crypto-related crimes will be taken seriously in India. The life imprisonment sentences reflect the gravity of the crime and the country’s intent to deter similar cases.
As India tightens regulations around cryptocurrency, this case may serve as a precedent for handling tech-driven financial crimes. It also underlines the growing need for legal safeguards and investor awareness in the crypto space.
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