Tennessee Trio Hit With Indictment in Violent $6.5 Million Crypto Robbery Scheme

Violent crypto thefts are rising globally as criminals target investors through kidnappings and home invasions.

Federal prosecutors have charged three Tennessee men over a violent robbery spree tied to cryptocurrency thefts across California. Investigators said the group targeted victims in several cities and used force to gain access to crypto accounts and valuables. Court filings describe assaults involving firearms, duct tape, and zip ties during home invasions. Authorities believe one attack alone led to the theft of nearly $6.5 million in digital assets.

DOJ Alleges Armed Crew Forced Victim to Transfer $6.5 Million in Cryptocurrency

A federal grand jury indicted Elijah Armstrong, Nino Chindavanh, and Jayden Rucker for their alleged roles in the crimes, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Prosecutors accused the trio of carrying out robberies and attempted kidnappings in San Francisco, San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Los Angeles.

Investigators said the suspects posed as delivery workers to gain entry into victims’ homes. Once inside, they allegedly restrained and assaulted victims while demanding money and access to cryptocurrency accounts.

One victim reportedly handed over login credentials after being threatened. Prosecutors said the suspects transferred about $6.5 million in cryptocurrency into a wallet under their control.

Charges include conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Armstrong and Rucker made their first court appearances on Monday, while Chindavanh appeared in federal court in San Francisco last month.

U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian described the alleged crimes as violent and carefully planned. Prosecutors argued the attacks placed victims in serious physical danger while targeting large crypto holdings.

If convicted, each defendant could face up to 20 years in prison for robbery-related conspiracy charges. Kidnapping conspiracy charges carry possible life sentences. Court filings also listed fines of up to $250,000 for each count.

Global Crackdown Intensifies After Wave of Crypto Kidnappings and Home Invasions

Cases involving physical attacks against cryptocurrency holders have increased in recent years. Industry observers often refer to such incidents as “wrench attacks,” where criminals use violence or threats to force victims to transfer digital assets.

Unlike bank transfers, crypto transactions are usually irreversible once completed. Criminal groups have increasingly focused on wealthy investors and traders who hold large amounts of digital currency.

Cybersecurity firm CertiK recorded 72 verified wrench attacks worldwide in 2025. That figure marked a 75% rise from the previous year. Researchers said many attackers conduct surveillance before targeting victims.

Federal data also showed a rise in crypto-related crime. Fraud losses tied to cryptocurrency reached $11.4 billion last year, according to figures tracked by the FBI. Crypto scams accounted for more than half of all internet crime losses reported during the period, with a  22% jump in the US alone.

Law enforcement agencies in several countries have stepped up investigations into violent crypto crimes. French authorities reported that cases involving crypto-linked kidnapping occur once every 2.5 days.

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