Emily Walker
Seven members of a gang have been sentenced by Manchester Crown Court for their involvement in a series of violent crimes, including kidnappings and the extortion of cryptocurrency.
Throughout several months, the gang persistently targeted a single victim, coercing him into transferring large sums of cryptocurrency. The violence escalated to threats, confinement, and significant physical harm until law enforcement stepped in to put a stop to the criminal activities.
Criminal Activities Overview
The victim’s nightmare began in January 2023, when a gang member confronted him at his residence and demanded cryptocurrency. Fearing for his safety, he complied with their demands, initiating a series of payments.
Later that month, David Povey, along with an armed accomplice, returned to extort more funds. The victim, hoping to end the threats, again complied and transferred additional cryptocurrency.
By October 2023, the gang’s tactics grew increasingly violent. Gary Edwards managed to lure the victim to an apartment where he was bound, beaten, and held overnight. When the victim couldn’t provide immediate funds, Kane Godiff issued terrifying death threats.
After enduring hours of brutality, the victim was finally released in exchange for payment, but the assaults continued. In a later incident, he was abducted again, hooded, and subjected to more threats and violence.
The last assault took place on November 30, 2023, when Edwards forcibly placed the victim in a van and drove him to another site for further abuse.
Intervention by Authorities and Sentencing
Significant action was taken on December 2, 2023, when police received an anonymous tip about the victim’s situation. Upon arriving at a property, officers spotted Karl Johnson attempting to escape, and inside, they found the severely injured victim begging for assistance.
Investigators uncovered a range of damning evidence—including firearms, ammunition, and other weapons—that validated the victim’s reports.
On January 30, 2024, the Manchester Crown Court imposed lengthy prison sentences. Jonathan Newns received a 20-year term for attempted robbery, kidnapping, and firearms offenses, a sentence mirrored by David Povey for similar charges. One report indicated:
The victim stated he was unaware of the assailants’ identities but mentioned that similar incidents had occurred months prior, during which he had paid them over £100,000 to avoid further attacks.
Other sentences varied, with Luke Johnson getting 13 years and six months, while Scott Armstrong, who facilitated the cryptocurrency transfers, received a two-year and four-month sentence. In total, significant prison time was handed down to seven individuals involved in these violent extortion crimes.
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