Three Tennessee Men Indicted for Violent Crypto Theft Targeting Victims in California
Three Tennessee men—Elijah Armstrong, Nino Chindavanh, and Jayden Rucker—have been federally indicted on conspiracy to commit robbery, kidnapping, and related charges for allegedly stealing millions in cryptocurrency through violent home invasions in California. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the suspects posed as delivery persons to gain entry to victims' homes in San Francisco, San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Los Angeles, then used firearms, duct tape, and zip ties to assault and restrain victims, forcing them to disclose cryptocurrency account information. In one November 2025 incident, a San Francisco victim was bound, pistol-whipped, and forced to transfer $10 million in Bitcoin and $3 million in Ethereum. Another victim lost $6.5 million in cryptocurrency at gunpoint. Armstrong and Rucker were arrested on December 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, while Chindavanh was arrested on December 22, 2025, in Sunnyvale. The charges carry maximum sentences up to life imprisonment for conspiracy to commit kidnapping, with fines up to $250,000 per count. The case highlights the growing trend of 'wrench attacks'—physical assaults targeting crypto holders. Data from CertiK shows 72 verified incidents globally in 2025, a 75% increase from the previous year. Law enforcement worldwide is cracking down; recent actions include 88 charged in France over crypto kidnappings, including the abduction of Ledger co-founder David Balland.
Key facts
- Three Tennessee men posed as delivery persons to rob crypto holders in California.
- Victims were bound, pistol-whipped, and forced to transfer millions in crypto.
- One victim lost $10M Bitcoin and $3M Ethereum; another lost $6.5M.
- Arrested in December 2025; charges include life imprisonment for kidnapping.
- Global 'wrench attacks' rose 75% in 2025, with 72 verified incidents.