Federal Grand Jury Files Charges
A U.S. federal grand jury has indicted three men from Tennessee for their alleged involvement in a violent crypto robbery scheme worth $6.5 million.
According to the Department of Justice, the suspects targeted victims across several California cities, including San Francisco, San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Los Angeles.
Suspects Accused of Violent Robberies
The defendants — Elijah Armstrong, Nino Chindavanh, and Jayden Rucker — allegedly posed as delivery workers to gain entry into victims’ homes.
Authorities said the group used firearms, duct tape, and zip ties during the attacks. Victims were reportedly assaulted and forced to hand over access to cryptocurrency accounts and financial assets.
$6.5 Million in Crypto Allegedly Stolen
In one incident, prosecutors claim the suspects forced a victim to transfer access to cryptocurrency wallets controlled by the group. The stolen digital assets were valued at approximately $6.5 million.
The defendants now face multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit robbery and kidnapping.
Defendants Face Severe Penalties
According to the Department of Justice, each suspect could face up to 20 years in prison and fines of $250,000 for robbery and attempted kidnapping charges.
The conspiracy to commit kidnapping charges carry a possible life sentence if the defendants are convicted.
