Fourteen Sentenced to Life in India Over Crypto-linked Kidnapping
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An Indian anti-corruption court has handed down life sentences to 14 men, including 11 police officers and a former legislator, after convicting them for their roles in a high-profile crypto-related kidnapping in 2018.
High-ranking officials among convicts
The case revolved around the abduction of businessman Shailesh Bhatt, who was allegedly targeted for his crypto holdings. Those sentenced include the former superintendent of police from the district where the crime occurred and a former member of India’s legislative assembly.
Special Judge B.B. Jadav in Ahmedabad delivered the ruling, convicting the men of kidnapping, extortion, and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code.
Kidnapping tied to Bitcoin ransom
Bhatt was lured to a gas station on February 9, 2018, by men impersonating Central Bureau of Investigation officers. He was then kidnapped, taken to a farmhouse, and threatened at gunpoint by police officers until he agreed to pay ransom.
The abductors demanded 176 BTC and an additional ₹32 crore ($3.6 million) in cash. Eventually, Bhatt was forced to sell 34 BTC and hand over proceeds worth about $150,000. However, the planned cash delivery failed after the courier grew suspicious and withheld the funds.
Trial highlighted intimidation concerns
The case saw 172 witnesses called, including digital forensics specialists, bank officials, and some constables who turned approvers. However, 92 witnesses later turned hostile, retracting or altering testimony, raising concerns about witness intimidation. At sentencing, Judge Jadav issued perjury notices to 25 witnesses who were found to have misled the court.
Convictions under corruption law
The 11 police officers were not only convicted for kidnapping and extortion but also under India’s anti-corruption statutes, having abused their official powers to commit the crime.
The verdict underscores the growing intersection of crypto and criminal cases in India, where digital assets have increasingly been linked to fraud, scams, and extortion plots.
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