What are the US crypto robbery charges about?

United States Department of Justice charged three men over alleged violent home-invasion robberies targeting cryptocurrency owners across California. Prosecutors said victims were threatened at gunpoint and forced to unlock crypto accounts.

How much cryptocurrency was allegedly stolen during the robberies?

Federal prosecutors said one victim was forced to transfer approximately $6.5 million in cryptocurrency to wallets controlled by the alleged attackers. Authorities described the incident as part of a wider coordinated robbery spree.

Who are the defendants in the crypto robbery case?

The DOJ charged Elijah Armstrong, Nino Chindavanh and Jayden Rucker with robbery, kidnapping and conspiracy-related offences. Prosecutors said the men allegedly travelled from Tennessee to California to target crypto holders.

How did the alleged attackers gain access to victims’ homes?

Authorities alleged the group disguised themselves as pizza, coffee and package delivery workers to persuade victims to open their doors. Prosecutors said the suspects then forced entry and carried out armed robberies.

What charges do the defendants face in federal court?

The indictment includes conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempted robbery and attempted kidnapping charges. Some counts could carry potential life prison sentences if convictions occur.

Why are crypto investors increasingly targeted in physical robberies?

Crypto transactions can be transferred quickly and are difficult to reverse once funds leave a wallet. Criminals may target individuals believed to hold large digital asset balances because access to accounts can sometimes be forced physically rather than hacked remotely.

What does this case mean for crypto security risks?

The case highlights that crypto security risks extend beyond online hacks and phishing attacks. Investors with large holdings may also face physical threats, especially if personal information or wallet ownership becomes public.

What safety measures can crypto holders use to reduce physical risks?

Crypto investors often use hardware wallets, multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays and private storage practices to reduce exposure. Avoiding public disclosure of holdings can also lower personal security risks.

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US charges trio over $6.5M crypto robberies

Written by Brie CarterPublished May. 18 2026Last Updated May. 18 2026

United States Department of Justice charged Elijah Armstrong, Nino Chindavanh and Jayden Rucker over an alleged violent robbery spree targeting cryptocurrency owners across California.

Federal prosecutors alleged the group travelled from Tennessee to California and posed as pizza, package and coffee delivery workers to gain access to victims’ homes before carrying out armed robberies.

“In one of the incidents perpetrated by the conspiracy, the victim was forced at gunpoint to sign into his cryptocurrency accounts so that a co-conspirator could transfer approximately $6.5 million from his cryptocurrency accounts to a wallet controlled by the co-conspirators,”

The DOJ said in a May 11 statement.

Authorities alleged the attackers used firearms, duct tape and zip ties to restrain victims during robberies and attempted robberies across San Francisco, San Jose, Sunnyvale and Los Angeles.

The indictment charged the men with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempted Hobbs Act robbery and attempted kidnapping, with some charges carrying potential life sentences.

“These individuals, as alleged, terrorised their victims in the hopes of stealing vast sums of cryptocurrency,”

Said US Attorney Craig H. Missakian, adding:

“The scheme was not only sophisticated, it was brazen, violent, and dangerous.”

Prosecutors said Chindavanh was arrested in Sunnyvale in December 2025, while Armstrong and Rucker were arrested in Los Angeles later that month, although all defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.