Key facts
- A businessman was attacked with hammers by masked intruders who broke into his home.
- The attackers threatened the businessman's heavily pregnant wife and unborn baby.
- Hundreds of thousands of pounds in cryptocurrency and luxury watches were stolen.
- The attackers received instructions via a live video call from an unknown individual.
- The incident is part of a growing trend of violent 'wrench attacks' targeting crypto investors.
- Crimestoppers is offering a £10,000 reward for information about the crime.
A businessman, identified as 'James' by the BBC, was subjected to a violent home invasion in Solihull, UK, where masked intruders attacked him with hammers and threatened his seven-months-pregnant wife. The attackers demanded he transfer hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of cryptocurrency, seemingly guided by an individual on a video call. The assault lasted approximately 45 minutes, during which the wife was held down and suffocated with a pillow. The couple, who wish to remain anonymous, described the event as 'horrific' and feared for their unborn child's life. The attackers also stole several luxury Rolex watches before fleeing. The baby was born full-term and unharmed. Police are investigating the incident, and Crimestoppers has offered a £10,000 reward for information. Experts note a surge in 'wrench attacks,' a type of violent robbery targeting cryptocurrency investors, with significant amounts stolen globally. The victim, who had become a full-time crypto trader in 2023 after amateur investing since 2020, has lost all his savings and is seeking to return to his previous profession. The attackers are described as being in their late teens or early 20s, with one being a black male with a scar under his left eyebrow. The driver of the getaway car was also unmasked.