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Two High School Students Charged in Arizona Home Invasion Aimed at $66 Million in Cryptocurrency
Two teenagers from California are facing significant felony charges after officials reported that they traveled hundreds of miles to execute a violent home invasion in Scottsdale, Arizona, in an attempt to acquire cryptocurrency estimated to be worth $66 million.
Key Takeaways:
- Two California teenagers allegedly journeyed over 600 miles to commit a violent home invasion aimed at $66 million in cryptocurrency.
- Authorities apprehended the suspects shortly after they escaped the scene and recovered restraints and a 3D-printed firearm.
- Investigators indicate that unidentified contacts on an encrypted messaging application orchestrated the scheme and financed the necessary supplies.
As per court documents referenced by local news, the 16- and 17-year-old suspects traveled more than 600 miles from San Luis Obispo County and arrived at a home in the Sweetwater Ranch area on the morning of January 31, dressed in delivery-style uniforms similar to those worn by shipping companies.
Authorities report that they forced their way into the residence, bound two adults with duct tape, and demanded access to digital assets.
One victim denied possessing cryptocurrency, leading to an escalation of the confrontation into physical violence.
Police Apprehend Suspects Following Violent Home Invasion Attempt
Law enforcement was notified when an adult son located elsewhere in the house contacted emergency services. Officers arriving at the scene discovered a struggle in progress and one victim yelling for help.
The suspects fled in a blue Subaru but were intercepted at a dead end shortly thereafter.
Authorities retrieved zip ties, duct tape, stolen license plates, and a 3D-printed firearm that was found to be without ammunition. It remains uncertain if the weapon was operational.
Both teenagers were initially placed in juvenile detention, but prosecutors plan to charge them as adults. Each faces eight charges, including kidnapping, aggravated assault, and burglary, while the older suspect also faces a charge of unlawful flight.
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They were subsequently released on $50,000 bail and equipped with electronic monitoring devices.
A 19-year-old involved in a December 2024 wrench attack in Texas will serve the next 45 years in prison
He and two accomplices posed as DoorDash drivers before ambushing a family and demanding their crypto
Glad to see justice served – hope this serves as a warning to others pic.twitter.com/vOvtocQUB6— Beau (@beausecurity) January 14, 2026
Investigators report that the younger suspect informed police that the duo had recently met and were guided by unknown individuals communicating via the encrypted messaging platform Signal.
The contacts, referred to only as “Red” and “8,” allegedly provided the address and sent $1,000 for disguises and equipment purchased from retail outlets.
The suspect also claimed he felt coerced into participating after being invited on a trip to “tie people up” for access to cryptocurrency.
Wrench Attacks on Crypto Holders Surge Dramatically in 2025
This case highlights a broader increase in so-called wrench attacks, which are physical assaults aimed at compelling cryptocurrency holders to surrender private keys.
Security researcher Jameson Lopp’s public database records approximately 70 such incidents in 2025, marking a significant rise from the previous year.
The Scottsdale incident is the first documented US case of 2026, although many occurrences are believed to remain unreported.
Security analysts indicate that criminals are increasingly utilizing leaked personal information to identify targets and are recruiting young offenders online to enhance anonymity.
A recent industry breach involving customer identity data has been cited by investigators as a factor contributing to increased exposure risks.
Authorities have not connected this incident to separate cryptocurrency ransom demands reported on the same day in Tucson, located about two hours away.
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