Scot caged for fraud campaign after obtaining ‘significant sums of cryptocurrency’

A Scot who obtained a significant sum of cryptocurrency through a sophisticated scheme has been jailed.

Robert Barr has been caged for 21 months following a fraud hearing at Airdrie Sheriff Court. The 27-year-old was arrested in June 2022 and previously pled guilty to committing a fraudulent scheme involving gaining a significant amount of cryptocurrency – believed to be around £7 million.

Following the sentencing, officers from Police Scotland slammed the complex crime which is said to have severely impacted those involved.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Maclean, the Senior Investigating Officer, Police Scotland Cybercrime Investigations said: “This was a significant and complex cybercrime which had a significant impact on those involved.

“Barr believed he was clever in the way he was able to commit these crimes however through our enquiries we were able to disrupt his ability to steal funds that were in the process of being accessed. Barr’s sentence sends a clear message to those acting in such a manner that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We are fully committed to bringing offenders to justice to further safeguard our communities and hope this outcome provides the victim some comfort.”

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