Teen Crypto Heist Plot: California Students Charged in Violent Arizona Home Invasion

Two California teenagers, 16 and 17, have been charged in Arizona and are set to be tried as adults over an alleged Scottsdale home invasion tied to a suspected cryptocurrency stash worth US$66 million (AU$100 million). 

Investigators said that the pair believed a family in the Sweetwater Ranch area held a large amount of crypto. 

Court documents described in local reporting allege the trip and target selection were coordinated through Signal by contacts using the names “Red” and “8,” who provided an address and sent US$1,000 (AU$1,530) to fund supplies. 

One teen told police they had just recently met the other and claimed they were pushed, or pressured into participating, the documents say, as reported by Fox News.

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How The Heist Unfolded

Once inside, the teens restrained two adults with duct tape and assaulted them while demanding cryptocurrency. Court records say one victim denied having any crypto and that the violence escalated after that.

They allegedly planned it in advance: a long drive, delivery uniforms to look harmless, restraints ready, and a stolen plate to make the car harder to trace, so it wasn’t really a spur-of-the-moment type of crime.

Fox News also reported that a suspect’s mother found out about the plan and flagged messages about it to California police, who relayed the tip to Scottsdale, but officers arrived after the invasion had already occurred.

A 911 call came from an adult son elsewhere in the home. 

Officers arriving said they found a woman screaming and a man struggling with one suspect. The teens allegedly fled in a blue Subaru and were stopped shortly after at a dead end. Police reported recovering delivery-style clothing, zip ties, duct tape, and a 3D-printed gun that had no ammunition, with no clear indication whether it was functional.

Each teen faces eight charges, including kidnapping, aggravated assault, and second-degree burglary. The 17-year-old also faces an unlawful flight charge.

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