US Charges Trio for $6.5M Crypto Wrench Attacks

James Ding May 12, 2026 07:39

Three men face charges for a $6.5M crypto theft spree involving violent 'wrench attacks' in California. Details on their methods and charges.

U.S. prosecutors have charged three men in connection with a string of violent cryptocurrency robberies that resulted in losses of at least $6.5 million. The accused, Elijah Armstrong, Nino Chindavanh, and Jayden Rucker, allegedly targeted crypto owners in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area between November and December 2025.

According to the Department of Justice, the trio posed as delivery drivers to gain access to victims' residences. Once inside, they reportedly used threats of violence to force victims to hand over the seed phrases to their cryptocurrency wallets. In one incident detailed in an unsealed indictment, a victim was coerced into transferring $6.5 million worth of cryptocurrency to a wallet controlled by the suspects.

These so-called "wrench attacks," which involve physical intimidation to steal digital assets, have been on the rise globally. Blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs attributes this increase to the ease of accessing personal information online, the perceived pseudonymity of crypto transactions, and the public visibility of wealth in the sector. French authorities recently charged 88 individuals for similar attacks, underscoring the broader trend.

Craig Missakian, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California, described the scheme as "sophisticated, brazen, violent, and dangerous." The suspects were arrested in December 2025 and now face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempted robbery, and attempted kidnapping.

Armstrong and Rucker are expected to appear in court on Tuesday, while Chindavanh's hearing is scheduled for June 26. As crypto ownership becomes more widespread, law enforcement agencies are increasingly focusing on tackling crimes that exploit the unique vulnerabilities of the sector.

Wrench attacks, while still relatively rare compared to online hacks, highlight the risks of inadequate security measures for cryptocurrency holders. The case serves as a stark reminder for investors to prioritize physical and digital security, such as using hardware wallets and ensuring private keys are stored securely offline.

• crypto crime
• wrench attacks
• cryptocurrency theft