FBI foils ‘sides’ plot to strip jeweler and steal $2 million in crypto

The FBI has uncovered a conspiracy to kidnap a Miami jeweler and steal $2 million in cryptocurrency.

According to court records, a confidential source notified law enforcement about the planned hack.

On the morning of January 13, they said, a man named “Jack” had assembled a group that planned to strike.

The leader started a telegram conversation to organize the kidnapping – calling the members of the group “goons”.

Scripts were shared that appeared to show the victim working in the Seibold jewelry building, confirming that he had a large amount of crypto in hand and was ready to exchange it for cash.

According to FBI Special Agent Ryan Dribblebis, “Jack” wrote messages about how the kidnapping was to be carried out, saying, “I told them not to hurt him or do anything to him.” We just need to find him,” he said.

He said other members of the group were armed with Mac-10 and .223 assault rifles on the day of the abduction.

The secret information revealed that they were asked to provide a car to be used for the hack. Then “a tall black man” named “D” agreed to deliver one.

But before the Chevy Tahoe could be surrendered, law enforcement compromised the SUV with recording devices and GPS tracking. He is then able to physically meet one of the suspects, posing as “D” as an undercover agent.

When the four men involved in the conspiracy met on the day of their abduction, they clashed with the police.

Three tried to run away, but were quickly apprehended, while the other fugitive was apprehended at a nearby business.

Recorded calls between them appear to indicate they planned to give the victim “one good bop” on the head, but did not want to injure the brain.

Evan Puckett, Trayvon Anthony Neal, Zachary Briggs and Aaron Hammond are all charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping and attempted kidnapping.

They are being held without bond and will appear in court in Florida on Tuesday.

Edited by Stacy Elliott.