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- The Federal Bureau of Investigation has filed criminal charges against four defendants after foiling a kidnapping conspiracy
- The alleged scheme involved luring a jeweler with cryptocurrency dealings into a setup designed to extort and kidnap him
- A confidential source tipped off investigators about the plot, leading to surveillance and the eventual arrest of the suspects
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has foiled a plot to kidnap and extort a Miami jeweler for his cryptocurrency holdings. Four suspects have been charged with multiple federal offenses, including kidnapping conspiracy and Hobbs Act violations, centering on the plot to abduct the jeweler for extortion, with defendants communicating details through encrypted messages. Federal agents intercepted the operation with assistance from a confidential source, undercover tactics, and electronic surveillance, culminating in arrests before the crime was executed.
Kidnappers Sought Millions in Crypto Holdings
Federal prosecutors allege that the defendants devised a plan to kidnap a jeweler from Miami’s Seybold Building to extort cryptocurrency holdings worth millions. The complaint, filed in the Southern District of Florida, highlights the use of encrypted Telegram chats, where the group—dubbed “the Kidnapping Group”—referred to their scheme as “the play.” The FBI obtained evidence of these discussions, revealing intentions to arm themselves and use force if necessary.
Undercover agents intervened after the group attempted to procure a vehicle and weapons for the crime, with a black Chevrolet Tahoe outfitted with surveillance equipment provided by an undercover FBI agent posing as a co-conspirator. On January 13, 2025, agents moved in to arrest the suspects, Evan Puckett, Tre’von Anthony Neal, Zacary Briggs, and Aaron Hammond, as they prepared to execute the plan.
Kidnapper Confesses
Post-arrest interviews provided further insight into the plot. Puckett admitted to planning the crime but claimed he intended to use firearms only defensively. Neal and Briggs corroborated parts of the plot, with Neal describing his role as “security” and Briggs indicating he would act as the getaway driver. Hammond confessed he was tasked with incapacitating the victim.
The defendants face charges of kidnapping conspiracy and Hobbs Act violations in their efforts to procure the jeweler’s $2 million crypto holdings and decades behind bars as a result.
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