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- Tennessee men were charged over an alleged crypto theft and kidnapping plot in California.
- Prosecutors said suspects used fake delivery tactics to force access to crypto accounts.
- The case renewed concerns over wrench attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders.
Federal authorities charged three Tennessee men in an alleged crypto theft and kidnapping conspiracy targeting cryptocurrency holders in California. Prosecutors said the group used fake delivery tactics, weapons, restraints, and threats to force victims into giving access to digital asset accounts.
As per release, Elijah Armstrong, Nino Chindavanh, and Jayden Rucker were indicted on several federal charges. The charges include conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempted robbery, and attempted kidnapping.
$6.5M Crypto Theft Linked to Forced Wallet Access
According to prosecutors, the men traveled from Tennessee to California to target people believed to hold large cryptocurrency assets. The alleged victims were located in San Francisco, San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Los Angeles.
The indictment said the suspects posed as delivery workers to enter or try to enter victims’ homes. Authorities said the group then used firearms, duct tape, and zip ties to restrain victims.
Prosecutors alleged that victims were forced to reveal cryptocurrency account credentials. In one case, a victim was held at gunpoint and made to access crypto accounts.
A co-conspirator then allegedly transferred about $6.5 million in cryptocurrency into wallets controlled by the group. That incident made the case one of the more serious crypto theft allegations involving physical force.
U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian described the alleged operation as organized and dangerous. He said the defendants, as alleged, terrorized victims in hopes of stealing large amounts of cryptocurrency.
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Missakian also called the scheme sophisticated, brazen, violent, and dangerous. Federal officials said the charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
FBI Warns of Wrench Attacks on Crypto Investors
The FBI also warned about criminal groups targeting crypto investors through physical attacks. Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo said the FBI would not tolerate criminals entering communities to terrorize residents.
The case has brought back the topic of so-called “wrench attacks.” The attacks involve making use of physical threats or violence to force access to wallets or exchange accounts, despite the digital security.
This kind of incident indicates that crypto theft does not just happen online! Criminals also can steal currency holders by home invasion, kidnapping, or forced transfer.
Armstrong and Rucker were arrested in L.A. on Dec. 31, 2025. Chindavanh was arrested on a different date in Sunnyvale, Dec. 22, 2025.
Federal custody of all three defendants is in place. They face up to 20 years of prison time for robbery-related charges if convicted.
The kidnapping conspiracy charge could result in a possible life sentence. There could also be fines of up to $250,000 for each charge.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, federal officials said. The case is part of a growing worry regarding crypto theft scams that involve both digital assets and extortion.
Marion Ferro, aka “GothFerrari,” was sentenced to over six years of prison earlier this year by U.S. authorities. He has been involved in a crypto theft circle that includes burglary, hacking, and hardware wallets.
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