Federal authorities recently stopped a kidnapping plan targeting a Miami jeweler who owned $2 million in cryptocurrency.
According to a January 14 filing, the scheme was exposed after an informant provided details to law enforcement, revealing that a man identified as “Jack” had organized a group for the abduction. The group planned to carry out their operation on January 13.
According to investigators, Jack created a private messaging group, referring to his team as “goons”. The messages showed plans to seize the jeweler, who worked in the Seybold jewelry building and had confirmed he possessed a large amount of cryptocurrency.
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found that the group discussed being armed with Mac-10s and .223 rifles during the kidnapping. In one message, Jack outlined the plan, instructing the group not to harm the victim, writing, “We just need to get him”.
The informant also revealed that a vehicle was to be supplied for the operation. A man referred to as “D” was responsible for delivering a Chevrolet Tahoe for the group’s use.
Before handing it over, agents equipped the vehicle with surveillance devices and tracking equipment. An undercover officer then posed as “D” to meet one of the suspects.
On January 13, four individuals were confronted, with three attempting to flee but were quickly apprehended. The fourth suspect was captured at a nearby location.
The suspects, identified as Tre’von Anthony Neal, Zacary Briggs, Evan Puckett, and Aaron Hammond, face charges of conspiracy to kidnap and attempted kidnapping.
Meanwhile, a Canadian crypto group moderator recently claimed he became the target of a kidnapping plot. How did the case go? Read the full story.
Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.
