cryptocrime

📅 February 7 - Scottsdale, Arizona | The story sounds like something out of a movie, but it happened on a residential street: Two teenagers, 16 and 17 years old, traveled over 600 miles from San Luis Obispo County to Sweetwater Ranch, Scottsdale, dressed in FedEx/UPS-style uniforms, with the intention—according to court documents—of kidnapping a family they believed possessed $66 million in cryptocurrency.

📖The case, which occurred on the morning of January 31, reveals a chilling and disturbing chain of events. The two teenagers, both from California, arrived in the neighborhood with disguises and restraint tools; Authorities found UPS and FedEx-type clothing, cable ties, adhesive tape, and a 3D-printed weapon without ammunition recovered at the scene. They forced their way in, immobilized two adults, and demanded cryptocurrency keys or transfers under the belief that the family possessed a digital fortune of $66 million.
When one of the victims denied owning cryptocurrency, the situation escalated into violence until the victim's adult son managed to alert the police. The suspects attempted to flee in a blue Subaru, but were cornered minutes later; they were arrested and taken to a Maricopa County juvenile detention center.
Court documents add disturbing details about the modus operandi: the youths were allegedly contacted by anonymous users identified only as “Red” and “8” on the Signal app, who provided them with the target address and $1,000 to purchase disguises and restraints at stores like Target and Home Depot.
They were even given instructions and an initial payment; the teenagers admitted to buying supplies and stealing a license plate to disguise their vehicle. After his arrest, the 16-year-old stated that he acted under pressure from these contacts, who he claimed were the ones who “extorted” or persuaded him to do it.
Both now face eight charges, including kidnapping, aggravated assault, and burglary; the adult also faces escape charges. They were released on bail of $50,000 and ankle monitors while the process continues, and the prosecution plans to try them as adults.
This episode fits into an alarming pattern: so-called wrench attacks —violent robberies targeting crypto owners— have increased. Researchers like Jameson Lopp documented nearly 70 attacks in 2025, up from about 41 in 2024, and this case is the first publicly recorded attack of this type in the U.S. in 2026.
Security analysts point out that data breaches and corporate leaks, such as the well-known Coinbase breach in 2025, have left personal information exploitable, while malicious actors recruit young operatives via encrypted messages. Security companies like TRM Labs warn that the actual number of incidents could be much higher, as many are simply recorded as ordinary thefts.

Topic Opinion:
The intersection of crypto and security. Digital asset holders must strengthen their data protection.
💬 Are you worried that personal information could make someone a target?

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