UK Trio Jailed Over Home Invasion in Failed Crypto Theft Attempt
Three men have been jailed for between five and six years after breaking into a man's home in Bristol and demanding cryptocurrency.
Terroll Paul, 31, Mohamed Samagassi, 37, and Pierre Madzou, 30, broke into the victim's home in the early hours of May 15, assaulted him and demanded he hand over a large amount of digital currency. The victim was hit over the head, suffering a substantial injury that required hospital treatment.
Sentencing details
The men pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary in August and were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on October 15. Paul, of Barking in London, received six years in prison, Madzou, also of Barking, five and a half years, and Samagassi, of no fixed address, five years.
Before, I was bubbly, talkative and outgoing but now I would describe myself as tense and apprehensive.
Growing trend
The case adds to a string of crypto 'wrench attacks' in the UK, where criminals use violence or threats to force holders to hand over digital assets. In February, three teenagers were jailed over a $4.3 million wrench attack robbery in London.
Wrench attacks cost victims $124 million globally in the first six months of 2026, a twelvefold increase year-on-year, according to blockchain security firm CertiK.
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