A member of the Saudi royal family was kidnapped and forced to transfer $40000 in Bitcoin

According to Decrypt, 24-year-old woman Catherine Colivas kidnapped a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family with the help of three accomplices and threatened to cut off his finger, forcing him to pay $40000 in Bitcoin. Although the prisoner admitted guilt, she was not imprisoned. Catherine Colivas faces up to 25 years in prison at a hearing in Victoria, Australia. She pleaded guilty to charges of kidnapping, extortion, reckless injury, theft, and possession of a firearm. However, she only received a community correction order - equivalent to community service in Australia. Colivas and this member of the Saudi royal family were paired on a dating app and went out for drinks and dinner. Then, this member of the royal family sent Colivas home. When members of the royal family accompanied Colivas to the door, he was ambushed by three men, including Colivas' boyfriend. The victim was subsequently tied up with a cable, unable to leave, and was threatened. As he was a cryptocurrency trader, the victim provided Bitcoin and had to call a friend to complete a transfer of $40000. Afterwards, his keys were stolen and criminals raided his home. According to court documents, they stole clothing, a PlayStation 5, and several iPhones. The victim was subsequently released and immediately reported to the police. Afterwards, he stayed overnight in the hospital due to injuries to his head and wrist.