Prisoner Planned $2.7 Million Cryptocurrency Theft from Behind Bars: Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison - Kriptofoni
A Scottish prisoner named Robert Barr has been sentenced to eight years in prison for orchestrating an attempted cryptocurrency theft worth approximately £2 million ($2.7 million) while behind bars.
According to a November 10, 2026, ruling by the High Court in Glasgow, Barr conspired with two accomplices to steal a couple's cryptocurrency holdings while serving a sentence for a separate offense at Edinburgh Prison. The attempted theft failed when his accomplices were unable to enter the targeted property. The court confirmed that all three defendants admitted their involvement in serious organized crime.
Prison Plot Details
Robert Barr was already serving a 21-month prison sentence for a previous cryptocurrency-related fraud offense. While incarcerated, he contacted two individuals, Sean Favier and Iain Doyle, to execute his plan targeting a couple believed to hold approximately £2 million worth of cryptocurrency assets.
The accomplices were supposed to enter the victims' home and install remote-access software on their computer. Barr intended to use a remote desktop application called AnyDesk to gain control of the computer from inside the prison and transfer the cryptocurrency holdings to addresses under his control.
Failed Theft Attempt
According to court records, Favier and Doyle arrived at the targeted couple's home at approximately 11:30 p.m. on April 17, 2024. The homeowners spotted the visitors through their doorbell camera. When the couple refused to open the door, the two men left without gaining entry, preventing the remote-access operation from being carried out.
The planned $2.7 million theft never actually took place. The reported amount represents the approximate value of the cryptocurrency assets targeted by the criminals, rather than funds that were successfully stolen.
Court Sentences
The High Court in Glasgow sentenced Robert Barr to eight years in prison. His accomplices, Iain Doyle and Sean Favier, received prison sentences of five years and four years, respectively. The court considered Barr's previous conviction for cryptocurrency-related fraud an aggravating factor.
Judge Lord Cubie emphasized that Barr's decision to organize another crime while already serving a prison sentence played a significant role in determining his punishment. A further hearing concerning crime prevention measures against Barr is scheduled for November 17, 2026.
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