FBI Busts Plot to Kidnap Miami Jeweler and Steal $2 Million in Crypto

According to a January 14 filing, the scheme was exposed after an informant provided details to law enforcement, revealing that a man identified as “Jack” had organized a group for the abduction. The group planned to carry out their operation on January 13.

According to investigators, Jack created a private messaging group, referring to his team as “goons”. The messages showed plans to seize the jeweler, who worked in the Seybold jewelry building and had confirmed he possessed a large amount of cryptocurrency.

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found that the group discussed being armed with Mac-10s and .223 rifles during the kidnapping. In one message, Jack outlined the plan, instructing the group not to harm the victim, writing, “We just need to get him”.

The informant also revealed that a vehicle was to be supplied for the operation. A man referred to as “D” was responsible for delivering a Chevrolet Tahoe for the group’s use.

Before handing it over, agents equipped the vehicle with surveillance devices and tracking equipment. An undercover officer then posed as “D” to meet one of the suspects.

On January 13, four individuals were confronted, with three attempting to flee but were quickly apprehended. The fourth suspect was captured at a nearby location.

The suspects, identified as  Tre’von Anthony Neal, Zacary Briggs, Evan Puckett, and Aaron Hammond, face charges of conspiracy to kidnap and attempted kidnapping.

Meanwhile, a Canadian crypto group moderator recently claimed he became the target of a kidnapping plot. How did the case go? Read the full story.