According to ShibDaily, three teenagers from Florida are facing serious charges after allegedly kidnapping a man at gunpoint and stealing digital assets worth approximately $4 million, including cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), following a cryptocurrency event in Las Vegas. The suspects, identified as 16-year-olds Austin Fletcher and Belal Ashraf from Pasco County, Florida, along with a third unidentified teen, have been charged with robbery, kidnapping, and extortion. Fletcher and Ashraf have been certified to stand trial as adults, as decided by a juvenile court judge. The third suspect reportedly left the United States before Fletcher's probable cause hearing, according to a prosecutor.
The incident, which occurred in November, was only recently disclosed. Court documents reveal that the victim contacted law enforcement, claiming that three young men forced him into a vehicle at gunpoint, transported him to a remote desert location, and stole millions in digital assets. The victim had been hosting a cryptocurrency-focused event in Downtown Las Vegas before the alleged abduction. After returning to his apartment complex, he was reportedly confronted by the suspects, who forced him into their vehicle at gunpoint. The victim was threatened with harm to himself and his father if he did not comply, and a towel was placed over his head to prevent him from seeing the suspects.
The suspects allegedly pressured the victim to surrender his passwords and issued threats to access his financial accounts. During the incident, the suspects were reportedly in communication with an unidentified individual via speakerphone, which the victim could hear. Authorities believe the suspects drove the victim across the Nevada state line to White Hills, Arizona. The victim then walked five miles through the desert to reach a gas station, where he contacted a friend for help. Investigators identified a potential suspect vehicle traveling from Florida to Nevada, with stops near the victim's residence.
In a related incident, Mississippi authorities conducted a traffic stop involving a relative of one of the suspects, recovering a firearm matching one seen in the teenager's social media posts. This case highlights a concerning trend of violent crime intersecting with digital wealth. As cryptocurrencies and NFTs gain popularity and value, law enforcement warns that high-profile holders could become targets. Authorities emphasize that while digital assets are virtual, they can lead to real and dangerous consequences. The investigation is ongoing as officials continue to examine the risks associated with kidnapping-for-crypto schemes.
