Woman Kidnapped Saudi Royal, Stole $40,000 in Bitcoin—But Avoids Jail

Australia and Bitcoin. Image: Shutterstock

With the aid of three others, a 24-year-old Saudi Arabian woman forced a Saudi Arabian Royal to pay $40,000.000 in Bitcoins after threatening him with cutting off his finger. As reported by The Telegraph, the woman was accompanied by three others. She forced him to pay $40,000 in Bitcoin after threatening to cut off his fingers. Daily Mail, the perpetrator was not put behind bars—despite pleading guilty.

Catherine Colivas, who appeared in court on Monday morning in Victoria (Australia), faced the maximum penalty of 25 years. She admitted to charges of kidnapping and extortion as well as recklessly injuring others, gun possession, theft, and extortion. However, she only received a community corrections order—essentially, Australia’s version of community service.

Colivas and the Saudi prince had matched through a dating application. They went out for dinner, drinks, and a movie. Then Colivas’ date drove her back home. As the royal walked Colivas to her door, he was ambushed by three men—including Colivas’ boyfriend.

After that, he was cable-tied so he couldn’t leave. At knifepoint a threat was made. Judge heard him say that the attackers threatened to cut his fingers off if they didn’t get money. 

A crypto-trader himself, the victim had to contact a friend for the final transfer. Then, the thieves stole his house keys. Documents in court claim that they also stole designer clothes and a Playstation 5.

After being released, the victim immediately reported to police and spent the night at the hospital with wounds on his wrists and head.

The judge, despite Colivas’s serious crime and the 30-month order for community corrections that he had given him due to his conviction. “exceptional circumstances.”

As reasons for her sentencing, the judge pointed to her youthfulness, difficult upbringing, fragile health and prospects of rehabilitation as well as the death of her brother while she was awaiting trial. 

Andrew Colivas died unexpectedly at the age of 25 in South-east Asia while holidaying with friends.

Paris Kennedy (22 years old) also plead guilty to less serious charges, including theft and burglary. She was already 90 days in jail when the judge found that Kennedy showed genuine remorse towards the victim.

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Stacy Elliott is the editor.

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