Crypto Journalist
Amin Ayan
Crypto Journalist
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Two teenagers from California are facing serious felony charges after authorities say they traveled hundreds of miles to carry out a violent home invasion in Scottsdale, Arizona, in a bid to obtain cryptocurrency believed to be worth $66 million.
Key Takeaways:
- Two California teens allegedly traveled over 600 miles to carry out a violent home invasion targeting $66 million in cryptocurrency.
- Police arrested the suspects shortly after they fled the scene and recovered restraints and a 3D-printed firearm.
- Investigators say unknown contacts on an encrypted messaging app directed the plot and funded supplies.
According to court records cited by local media, the 16- and 17-year-old suspects drove more than 600 miles from San Luis Obispo County and arrived at a residence in the Sweetwater Ranch neighborhood on the morning of Jan. 31 wearing delivery-style uniforms resembling those used by shipping carriers.
Investigators say they forced entry into the home, restrained two adults with duct tape and demanded access to digital assets.
One victim denied holding cryptocurrency, after which the confrontation escalated into physical assault.
Police Stop Suspects After Violent Home Invasion Attempt
Police were alerted when an adult son elsewhere in the house called emergency services. Officers arriving at the property found a struggle underway and one victim screaming.
The suspects fled in a blue Subaru but were stopped at a dead end shortly afterward.
Authorities recovered zip ties, duct tape, stolen license plates and a 3D-printed firearm without ammunition. It remains unclear whether the weapon was functional.
Both teens were initially placed in juvenile detention but prosecutors intend to try them as adults. Each faces eight counts including kidnapping, aggravated assault and burglary, while the older suspect also faces an unlawful flight charge.
They were later released on $50,000 bail and fitted with electronic monitoring devices.
Investigators say the younger suspect told police the pair had recently met and were directed by unknown individuals communicating through the encrypted messaging platform Signal.
The contacts, identified only as “Red” and “8,” allegedly supplied the address and sent $1,000 for disguises and equipment purchased at retail stores.
The suspect also claimed he had been pressured into participating after being invited on a trip to “tie people up” for access to cryptocurrency.
Wrench Attacks on Crypto Holders Rise Sharply in 2025
The case reflects a broader rise in so-called wrench attacks, physical assaults aimed at forcing crypto holders to hand over private keys.
Security researcher Jameson Lopp’s public database lists roughly 70 such incidents in 2025, a sharp increase from the previous year.
The Scottsdale attack is the first recorded US case of 2026, though many incidents are believed to go unreported.
Security analysts say criminals are increasingly using leaked personal data to identify targets and recruiting young perpetrators online to reduce traceability.
A recent industry breach involving customer identity information has been cited by investigators as a factor increasing exposure risks.
Authorities have not linked the incident to separate cryptocurrency ransom demands reported the same day in Tucson, about two hours away.
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