Florida Teens Kidnap Las Vegas Man, Steal $4 Million in Crypto and NFT’s

Three teenagers from Florida are accused of kidnapping a Las Vegas man at gunpoint, driving him to a remote Arizona desert, and stealing $4 million in cryptocurrency and NFT’s. The incident, which unfolded last November, has led to the arrest of two suspects, while a third remains at large, according to Las Vegas authorities. The case, investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with assistance from the FBI, highlights the vulnerabilities faced by individuals in the crypto space as digital wealth increasingly attracts criminal attention.

The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was hosting a crypto related event at a business in Downtown Las Vegas on the night of the incident. After returning to his apartment complex and parking his car, he was approached by three young men who forced him into the back seat of their vehicle. According to police reports, the suspects placed a towel over the victim’s head and threatened his life, stating that compliance would ensure his survival, while defiance would endanger his father.

The teenagers demanded access to the victim’s financial accounts, including passwords to his crypto wallets and non-fungible tokens (NFT’s). Authorities noted that the suspects appeared to be receiving instructions via a speakerphone call, suggesting the involvement of an additional individual orchestrating the scheme.

The group then drove the victim more than 70 miles across the Nevada border to White Hills, Arizona, a remote desert area approximately an hour from Las Vegas. After stealing the digital assets, the suspects abandoned the victim, who was forced to walk five miles through the desert to reach a gas station. From there, he contacted a friend for assistance. The ordeal, according to local news, paints a chilling picture of a meticulously planned crime targeting an individual perceived to hold significant digital wealth.

Investigation and Suspect Details

The investigation into the kidnapping revealed critical leads that pointed to the three teenagers. Las Vegas investigators tracked a suspect vehicle traveling from Florida to Nevada, with its route aligning with the location of the victim’s apartment.

The two apprehended suspects, Belal Ashraf and Austin Fletcher, both 16 and from Pasco County, Florida, face charges of robbery, kidnapping, and extortion. A juvenile court judge has certified both as adults, reflecting the severity of the allegations. During recent court hearings, Ashraf’s attorney argued for house arrest, and a judge ordered his release with electronic monitoring. Fletcher’s public defender also requested house arrest, but the court set bail at $4 million. A third teenager, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, is no longer in the United States, according to prosecutors, complicating efforts to bring all suspects to justice. A preliminary hearing for the case is scheduled for June.

This incident is part of a broader trend of violent crimes targeting individuals with significant cryptocurrency holdings. In recent months, similar cases have emerged globally, including the kidnapping of a Ledger co-founder in France. These events, coupled with reports of home invasions targeting digital asset holders such as livestreamer Amouranth, underscore the risks faced by those in the crypto community. As digital currencies continue to gain prominence, authorities and individuals are grappling with the challenge of securing wealth in an increasingly volatile space.