Police said the victims were driving from Oxford to London when they were targeted
Masked robbers swiped £1.1 million in cryptocurrency and a £450,000 watch during a car heist.
Five victims – two men and three women – were driving from Oxford to London when the perpetrators struck on the afternoon of November 4.
The vehicle was stationary in Oxford when a number of men wearing face coverings got into the vehicle.
Once inside, they stole a watch valued at about $590,000 – just under £450,000 – and phones from their victims.
The thieves also forced one of the victims to transfer $1.5m (£1.1m) of crypto currency out of their account.
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After about 30 minutes, the robbers left the vehicle in the Five Mile Drive area of Oxford and the victims were able to call police.
Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Stuart McMaster, of Thames Valley Police, said: “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.
“We want to hear from you if you saw or have footage of either a black BMW saloon car, a blue Hyundai Ioniq or a silver Mercedes Benz Vito in the area of Yarnton Road and Sandy Lane between Kidlington and Yarnton, or in Five Mile Drive, Carey Close, Rotherfield Road and Kirk Close in Oxford between 1pm and 4pm on Tuesday, November 4.
“If anyone has any information or footage then please contact Thames Valley Police by visiting a police station, leaving details on our dedicated webpage for this investigation or calling 101, quoting investigation reference number 43250563760.
“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously via its website or by calling 0800 555 111.
“Thames Valley Police has been conducting a thorough investigation into the offences.
“This has included house to house, CCTV, ANPR, digital, forensic, crypto-currency and financial enquiries.
“We have also conducted warrants in London and Birmingham along with arrests in Kent, arresting four men.
“We are supporting the victims and keeping them updated during our complex investigation.”
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The following arrests have since been made by police:
- A 21-year-old man, from London, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery, kidnap and other driving offences. He has been released on police bail until January 14, 2026.
- A 37-year-old man, from London, was arrested on suspicion of robbery and kidnap. He has been released on police bail until January 30, 2026.
- A 23-year-old man, from Kent, was arrested on suspicion of robbery and kidnap. He has been released on police bail until February 7, 2026.
- A 19-year-old man, from Birmingham, was arrested on suspicion of robbery, kidnap and possession of articles for use in fraud. He has been released on police bail until January 29, 2026.