In a shocking case that highlights the growing trend of violent crimes targeting cryptocurrency holders, two 16-year-old teenagers from Florida are now facing 22 felony counts after allegedly kidnapping a man in Las Vegas and stealing $4 million in digital assets 1 2.
The Incident
The two teenagers from Pasco County, Florida, along with a third accomplice who is believed to have fled the country, allegedly abducted a man at gunpoint following a cryptocurrency business event in Downtown Las Vegas 1 3. According to police reports, the teens forced the victim into a vehicle and drove him approximately an hour across the Arizona border to a remote desert location 2.
Once there, the perpetrators demanded access to the victim’s financial accounts and passwords, ultimately stealing approximately $4 million worth of cryptocurrency and NFTs (non-fungible tokens)1 2. The victim was abandoned in the desert and had to walk five miles to reach a gas station, where he was able to call for help 2.
Legal Proceedings
Despite their young age, both 16-year-olds are being tried as adults in this case. Each teen faces 11 felony charges, including robbery, kidnapping, and extortion 1 3. Court records show that one of the accused has retained high-profile defense attorney Ross C. Goodman, while the other is being represented by a public defender 2.
The preliminary hearing for the case is scheduled for June, according to available information 3.
A Troubling Trend
This incident is part of a concerning pattern of violent crimes targeting individuals with significant cryptocurrency holdings. Blockchain investigator ZachXBT reportedly helped the victim freeze more than $200,000 worth of stolen cryptocurrency 3.
Similar cases have occurred recently:
• In January, criminals kidnapped a Ledger co-founder in France and mutilated his hand while attempting to extort cryptocurrency
• Last week, French police arrested kidnappers who demanded €5-7 million for the release of a crypto millionaire’s father
• A Canadian man was forced into hiding after being targeted by criminals who mistakenly believed he owned billions in Bitcoin, when his actual holdings were closer to $100,000
These incidents underscore the real-world risks that can come with cryptocurrency ownership, especially for those who maintain a high profile in the space.
The Investigation
Las Vegas authorities are continuing their investigation into the case. The teenagers allegedly had assistance from someone on speakerphone during the kidnapping, suggesting this may have been part of a larger operation 2.
The case has drawn significant attention both in the cryptocurrency community and among law enforcement agencies concerned about this emerging type of crime that combines traditional violent offenses with digital asset theft.
