Cryptocurrency Worth More Than One Million Pounds Stolen in Oxford Car Raid

Police have arrested four men after a dramatic robbery in Oxford in which masked attackers forced victims inside a car to hand over cryptocurrency valued at about one point one million pounds, along with a luxury watch worth around four hundred and fifty thousand pounds. The incident took place on the afternoon of November four and has led to a wide ranging and complex investigation.

According to Thames Valley Police two men and three women were travelling in a vehicle when a group of masked men managed to enter it. The attackers, whose faces were covered, forced one of the victims to transfer the cryptocurrency out of their account. The ordeal lasted roughly half an hour before the suspects fled the vehicle in the Five Mile Drive area of the city. No serious injuries were reported but police say the victims were left shaken by the level of intimidation used.

Detective Sergeant Stuart McMaster said the incident triggered an intensive investigation involving multiple specialist teams. He explained that officers carried out door to door inquiries, examined CCTV and automatic number plate recognition data and conducted digital and forensic analysis. Investigators also traced cryptocurrency transactions and financial records in an effort to identify those responsible.

As part of the operation police executed warrants in London and Birmingham and carried out arrests in Kent. Four men were taken into custody on suspicion of robbery, kidnap and related offences. A twenty one year old man from London was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery, kidnap and various driving offences. He has been released on police bail until January fourteen. A thirty seven year old man from London was arrested on suspicion of robbery and kidnap and is on bail until January thirty. A twenty three year old man from Kent was also held on suspicion of robbery and kidnap and has been bailed until February seven. A nineteen year old man from Birmingham was detained on suspicion of robbery, kidnap and possession of items for use in fraud. He has been released on bail until January twenty nine.

Police are now appealing for witnesses and any footage that may help the investigation. Detectives are particularly interested in sightings of three vehicles in the areas of Yarnton Road and Sandy Lane between Kidlington and Yarnton on the day of the robbery. The vehicles include a black BMW saloon, a blue Hyundai Ioniq and a silver Mercedes Benz Vito. Officers also want information about any of these vehicles seen in Five Mile Drive, Carey Close, Rotherfield Road or Kirk Close in Oxford between one o’clock and four o’clock in the afternoon.

Investigators say that the robbery appears to have been carefully planned and that the value of the cryptocurrency stolen makes the case especially significant. Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help piece together the movements of the suspects before and after the attack. They say even small details could prove important.