In a brazen daylight robbery, a group of masked assailants made off with over £1.5 million in assets, including a vast amount of cryptocurrency, after ambushing a car travelling from Oxford to London.
The Ambush and Theft
The incident occurred on the afternoon of November 4. Two men and three women were driving from the university city towards the capital when their vehicle was targeted by the raiders. Thames Valley Police reported that the criminals forced their way into the car.
The victims were robbed of their phones and a luxury watch valued at £450,000. In a modern twist on a classic crime, the thieves then forced one of the occupants to transfer £1.1 million in cryptocurrency from their account. The traumatised group were subsequently left in the Five Mile Drive area of Oxford.
Extensive Police Investigation and Public Appeal
Detective Sergeant Stuart McMaster is leading the investigation and has issued a direct appeal to the public. "I am appealing to members of the public who may have seen anything suspicious or have footage of three vehicles in some specific locations in Oxford and Kidlington," he stated.
Authorities are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw or has dashcam footage of the following vehicles between 1pm and 4pm on Tuesday, November 4:
- A black BMW saloon car
- A blue Hyundai Ioniq
- A silver Mercedes Benz Vito
These vehicles were of interest in the areas of Yarnton Road and Sandy Lane, between Kidlington and Yarnton, as well as in Five Mile Drive, Carey Close, Rotherfield Road and Kirk Close in Oxford.
Arrests and Ongoing Inquiries
Thames Valley Police has confirmed it is conducting a thorough investigation into the sophisticated offences. A spokesperson detailed that this has included house-to-house enquiries, CCTV and ANPR reviews, plus digital, forensic, and specialised cryptocurrency and financial investigations.
The proactive investigation has already yielded results. Officers have executed warrants in London and Birmingham and made arrests in Kent, detaining four men in connection with the case.
The arrested individuals are:
- A 21-year-old man from London, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery, kidnap and other driving offences. He has been bailed until January 14.
- A 37-year-old man from London, arrested on suspicion of robbery and kidnap. Bailed until January 30.
- A 23-year-old man from Kent, arrested on suspicion of robbery and kidnap. Bailed until February 7.
- A 19-year-old man from Birmingham, arrested on suspicion of robbery, kidnap and possession of articles for use in fraud. Bailed until January 29.
Police have assured the public that they are "supporting the victims and keeping them updated during our complex investigation." Anyone with information is urged to contact Thames Valley Police, quoting investigation reference number 43250563760. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
