Disclaimer: Information found on CryptoreNews is those of writers quoted. It does not represent the opinions of CryptoreNews on whether to sell, buy or hold any investments. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use provided information at your own risk.
CryptoreNews covers fintech, blockchain and Bitcoin bringing you the latest crypto news and analyses on the future of money.
Two students aged 16 and 17 from California are set to face trial for their involvement in an armed robbery at a residence in Scottsdale, Arizona. According to court documents, the teenagers traveled over 600 miles to rob a couple they believed possessed cryptocurrency valued at $66 million.
The incident occurred on January 31. The youths were dressed in attire resembling that of courier service employees. As per the investigation, the individuals broke into the home, bound the woman and man with tape, and threatened violence while demanding cryptocurrency. The man claimed he did not possess any digital assets, which reportedly incited further aggression, as stated in the indictment.
The victim’s son, who had hidden in another part of the house, called 911. Upon arrival, law enforcement found a frightened woman and a man struggling with one of the assailants. The teenagers attempted to flee in a blue Subaru but were apprehended shortly thereafter. At the scene, authorities discovered camouflage clothing, plastic zip ties, tape, and a firearm manufactured using a 3D printer. No ammunition was found with the weapon, and its functionality has yet to be determined.
During questioning, one of the teenagers mentioned that he had met his accomplice shortly before the crime. He claimed they were coerced into participating in the robbery by anonymous individuals using the aliases “Red” and “8” on the Signal messaging app. Court documents indicate that the older teen suggested to the younger one that they travel to Scottsdale to “tie up people and take $66 million in cryptocurrency.” According to the accused, the coordinators provided the victims’ address and $1,000 for purchasing equipment, including disguises and binding tools.
Related Posts
The mother of one of the teens discovered text messages about the planned robbery on her son’s phone and reported it to the police. Authorities relayed the information to Scottsdale, but the police received it only after the robbery had commenced.
Each student now faces eight charges, including counts of kidnapping, aggravated assault, and burglary. The 17-year-old is additionally charged with evading arrest. Both have been released on $50,000 bail with electronic monitoring devices.
In May 2025, two 16-year-olds from Florida kidnapped a man at a cryptocurrency conference in Las Vegas, transported him to the Arizona desert, and stole $4 million in digital assets. Prosecutors allege that another participant coordinated the actions of the teenagers via speakerphone through a messaging app.
The Scottsdale robbery occurred on the same day that 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC Today host Savannah Guthrie, went missing from her home in Tucson, two hours away from Scottsdale. The family received a note demanding millions in cryptocurrency to a Bitcoin address. Authorities have yet to establish any connection between these incidents.
