“Thought He Was a Delivery Driver, but It Was a Robber” U.S. Teens Target Cryptocurrency in Crimes
“Thought He Was a Delivery Driver, but It Was a Robber” U.S. Teens Target Cryptocurrency in Crimes
Amid a surge in violent crimes targeting digital assets, teenage boys who attempted to steal assets worth $66 million were arrested at the scene and brought before the court.
According to The Block, a cryptocurrency-focused media outlet, on February 8 (local time), two high school students aged 16 and 17 from California were indicted on felony charges for attempting to rob digital assets by storming a residence in Scottsdale, Arizona. After obtaining information that the victim possessed approximately $66 million in digital assets, they meticulously traveled more than 600 miles to commit the crime. This marks the first officially recorded case in the United States in 2026 of a so‑called “wrench attack,” in which perpetrators directly invade a crypto holder’s residence and use physical violence to extort assets.
The suspects disguised themselves as delivery workers by wearing FedEx-style uniforms, entered the home, tied up and assaulted two adults, and demanded access to cryptocurrency accounts. When the victims denied owning digital assets, the violence escalated, but the crime was thwarted after a son elsewhere in the house quickly called 911. Police apprehended the suspects following a chase as they attempted to flee the scene, and inside their vehicle investigators found restraints used in the crime along with a 3D-printed firearm that was incapable of live firing.
During the investigation, the suspects stated that they had been instructed to carry out the crime by anonymous individuals via the messaging app Signal. They claimed they were provided with the victim’s address and $1,000 to purchase supplies, and that they participated under coercive pressure. Police believe there may be an organized group orchestrating the crime from behind the scenes and have expanded the investigation, warning that cryptocurrency investors’ personal information can be leaked through the dark web and other channels, making them targets for serious crimes.
The indicted teenagers face eight felony charges each, including kidnapping, aggravated assault, and burglary, and are expected to be tried under adult standards. Additional charges of unlawful flight from law enforcement were added for the 17-year-old suspect. Both have been released on $50,000 bail and are required to wear ankle monitoring devices. The incident starkly illustrates how crimes targeting wealthy cryptocurrency holders are evolving beyond simple cyber hacking into brutal physical threats.
The cryptocurrency industry emphasizes that beyond strengthening security systems, strict personal information management to prevent exposure of asset holdings is essential. Physical threats such as wrench attacks are difficult to defend against with technical security measures alone, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance among investors. Law enforcement authorities have reiterated their policy of zero tolerance and severe punishment for violent crimes related to digital assets.
*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. No responsibility is assumed for any investment losses resulting from reliance on this content.*
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