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FBI Foils Crypto and Jewelry Kidnapping Plot
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has successfully foiled a kidnapping conspiracy plot targeting a Miami jeweler, allegedly worth millions in cryptocurrency holdings. The scheme was designed to extort the victim’s digital assets.
According to reports, four defendants – Evan Puckett, Tre’von Anthony Neal, Zacary Briggs, and Aaron Hammond – have been charged with multiple federal offenses, including kidnapping conspiracy and Hobbs Act violations.
The investigation began after a confidential source tipped off authorities about the plot. The FBI then used surveillance and undercover tactics to monitor the situation and gather evidence.
As it turned out, the suspects planned to use encrypted messages on Telegram to discuss their plans, referring to the scheme as “the play.” They also mentioned arming themselves and using force if necessary.
However, law enforcement officials were one step ahead. Undercover agents posed as co-conspirators and provided a black Chevrolet Tahoe with surveillance equipment, which allowed them to monitor the suspects’ movements.
On January 13, 2025, authorities arrested the four defendants just as they were preparing to execute their plan. Post-arrest interviews revealed more details about the plot, with Puckett admitting he planned the crime but claiming he only intended to use firearms defensively. Neal and Briggs corroborated parts of the scheme, with Neal stating his role was “security” and Briggs describing himself as a getaway driver. Hammond confessed that he was tasked with incapacitating the victim.
The defendants now face charges related to kidnapping conspiracy and Hobbs Act violations for attempting to procure the jeweler’s $2 million crypto holdings and potentially decades behind bars.
This article is brought to you by FullyCrypto.
Source: fullycrypto.com
