Scottish Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Attempting $2.7 Million Crypto Heist from Prison

Multi-Million Pound Cryptocurrency Heist

A Scotland-based man, Robert Barr, 29, has been sentenced to eight years in prison by the High Court of Justiciary for orchestrating a multi-million pound cryptocurrency heist from behind bars. Alongside Barr, two accomplices—Sean Favier, 26, and Iain Doyle, 37—also faced legal repercussions for their roles in the attempted theft, which aimed to steal approximately £2 million (around $2.7 million) in digital currency.

Court Sentencing and Details of the Crime

On Tuesday, the court's decision revealed that Favier received a four-year term, while Doyle was sentenced to five years for their involvement in organized crime. Lord Cubie, the presiding judge, characterized the scheme as an audacious blend of modern technology and traditional burglary tactics.

The court explained that the plan involved Favier and Doyle breaking into the home of their unsuspecting victim in Midlothian, situated near Edinburgh. Their goal was to coerce the resident into using AnyDesk, a remote access application, allowing Barr—who was already incarcerated for previous fraud—to commandeer the victim's computer and siphon funds into wallets under his control.

Failed Attempt and Investigation

On the night of April 17, 2024, the duo approached the property around 11:30 p.m., but their intentions were thwarted when the couple inside detected them via a doorbell camera and refused entry. The criminal plot had reportedly undergone extensive reconnaissance, including the identification of the victim, a co-founder of a cryptocurrency startup, who had not publicly disclosed his crypto portfolio.

Investigators later discovered that Barr's phone contained evidence of meticulous planning, including threats of violence, indicating a high level of criminal sophistication.

Previous Criminal Activities

Prior to this failed attempt, Barr's associates had already broken into the same property in January 2024, stealing a crypto wallet but unable to access the assets due to a PIN restriction. Described by prosecutors as a "sophisticated cybercriminal", Barr's history of financial crimes and his ability to coordinate criminal activities while imprisoned underscored the severity of his actions, warranting a lengthy sentence.

Warnings and Future Implications

Lord Cubie warned that the intended burglary could have escalated into a more violent scenario known as a wrench attack, where criminals resort to intimidation or threats to gain access to a victim's cryptocurrency. The prevalence of these attacks, which have already led to losses exceeding $30 million in the first half of 2026, further amplifies the risk of such criminal enterprises.

With several similar crimes reported in recent months, Barr’s case adds to a troubling trend in the UK involving aggressive attempts to seize digital currency. The judge has also announced a future hearing regarding a serious crime prevention order for Barr and noted that he remains in custody pending possible extradition.