Teens Kidnap Las Vegas Man Stealing $4M in Crypto

Three teenagers from Florida-Belal Ashraf, Austin Fletcher (both 16 years old), and a third unidentified suspect-are accused of kidnapping a Las Vegas man at gunpoint outside his apartment in November 2024, then driving him about 70 miles to a remote desert area in White Hills, Arizona, where they stole approximately $4 million in cryptocurrency and NFTs before abandoning him.

The victim had just attended a cryptocurrency event in downtown Las Vegas before being ambushed. The suspects forced him into their vehicle, covered his head with a towel, and threatened to kill him and his father if he did not cooperate. Under duress, the victim was compelled to provide passwords and access to his digital wallets, allowing the suspects to transfer the digital assets.

Investigators believe the teens were acting under instructions from a fourth party who communicated with them via speakerphone during the crime. After the theft, the victim managed to walk about five miles through the desert to find help.

Law enforcement traced the suspects' vehicle traveling from Florida to Nevada, stopping at several locations including the victim’s apartment complex. A firearm linked to one suspect's family was recovered in Mississippi and matched weapons shown in the suspects' social media posts.

Ashraf and Fletcher have been charged with robbery, kidnapping, and extortion, and have been classified as adults in court. The third suspect is believed to have fled the United States.

Bail for Fletcher was set at $4 million, while Ashraf was released under electronic monitoring. This incident highlights the increasing risks faced by cryptocurrency holders and the intersection of digital wealth with violent crime.

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