What are the US crypto robbery suspects accused of doing?

US prosecutors accused three men of carrying out violent home invasions targeting cryptocurrency holders in California. Authorities said the suspects allegedly stole at least $6.5 million in crypto through robbery and kidnapping schemes.

How did the alleged crypto “wrench attacks” work?

According to prosecutors, the suspects allegedly posed as delivery drivers to gain entry into victims’ homes. They then reportedly used threats and violence to force victims to hand over crypto seed phrases and transfer digital assets.

What is a crypto wrench attack?

A wrench attack refers to physically threatening or assaulting someone to gain access to their cryptocurrency holdings. Unlike hacking, these attacks target individuals directly rather than exploiting software vulnerabilities.

Why are wrench attacks increasing in crypto?

TRM Labs previously warned that publicly visible crypto wealth and personal information shared online can make investors targets. Criminals may also believe crypto transactions are harder to reverse or trace compared with traditional banking transfers.

Who were the suspects charged in the US case?

The US Department of Justice named Elijah Armstrong, Nino Chindavanh and Jayden Rucker in the indictment. The suspects face charges including conspiracy to commit robbery, attempted kidnapping and attempted robbery.

Why do criminals target crypto holders specifically?

Crypto investors can sometimes be identified through social media posts, public wallet activity or visible online wealth. Because crypto transactions are irreversible and self-custodied, attackers may see victims as easier targets for extortion.

Are crypto wrench attacks becoming a global problem?

Yes, authorities in multiple countries have reported rising cases involving physical threats against crypto holders. French authorities recently charged dozens of suspects linked to similar attacks targeting digital asset investors.

US charges trio over violent crypto robberies

Written by Liezl GambePublished May. 12 2026

US authorities charged three men accused of carrying out a violent robbery spree targeting cryptocurrency holders in California and stealing at least $6.5 million in digital assets.

The US Department of Justice said a federal grand jury indicted Elijah Armstrong, Nino Chindavanh and Jayden Rucker for allegedly planning kidnappings and robberies against crypto owners in the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas.

Prosecutors alleged the trio posed as delivery drivers to gain entry into victims’ homes before using threats of violence to force victims to surrender cryptocurrency seed phrases and transfer digital assets.

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

Said Craig Missakian, US Attorney for the Northern District of California.

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

Court documents alleged at least one victim was forced to transfer roughly $6.5 million in cryptocurrency into wallets controlled by the suspects between November and December last year.

The three men face charges including conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempted robbery and attempted kidnapping after authorities arrested them in December.

Blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs previously warned that so-called “wrench attacks” have been increasing globally as criminals exploit publicly visible crypto wealth and personal information gathered online.