The National Police have arrested seven people following the kidnapping of a person in Gran Canaria, during which the attackers allegedly posed as police officers and forced their victim to transfer their cryptocurrency to them.

According to the National Police report, the investigation, named Operation Kripto, began after the kidnapping took place on 17th March 2025, when a group of people intercepted the victim in the private car park of their home between 9:00pm and 9:30pm.

The suspects allegedly pretended to be police officers and used a van to carry out the kidnapping. After overpowering the victim, they forced them into the vehicle and drove them to an industrial unit, where they were held for several hours.

Police say the victim was threatened and assaulted while being held captive. The kidnappers allegedly forced them to make a large cryptocurrency transfer, although the exact amount involved has not been disclosed.

They are also accused of stealing cash and other valuables from the victim. After several hours, he was released, however, according to investigators, the kidnappers threatened him with further consequences if he reported what had happened to the authorities.

Seven suspects identified and arrested

Officers from the National Police's Specialist and Violent Crime Unit (UDEV) launched an extensive investigation after becoming aware of the kidnapping.

Their enquiries eventually allowed detectives to identify and locate the people suspected of being involved, which has now resulted in the arrest of seven people in connection with the incident.

Once police enquiries were completed, all seven were brought before the relevant judicial authorities, and a judge subsequently ordered two of the suspects to be remanded in custody, while proceedings continue.

The case highlights the increasingly serious crimes associated with high-value cryptocurrency holdings, with criminals allegedly using physical violence and intimidation to force victims to hand over access to digital assets.