- Three Florida teenagers are accused of kidnapping a Las Vegas crypto event host and stealing $4 million in digital assets.
- Two suspects, both aged 16, are currently in custody while a third has reportedly fled the country.
- The FBI and local authorities are actively investigating, with court hearings scheduled and strict bail conditions set.
Three teenagers from Florida have been charged after allegedly kidnapping the host of a cryptocurrency event in Las Vegas at gunpoint and robbing him of $4 million in cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), according to police documents and statements from court hearings.
Officials identified the suspects as Belal Ashraf and Austin Fletcher, both 16 years old from Pasco County, Florida. Authorities stated the third suspect has left the United States. The incident reportedly occurred in November, when the suspects confronted the victim at his apartment complex after he had hosted a crypto-themed event in downtown Las Vegas. Investigators said the suspects forced the victim into their car and drove him across state lines.
According to a police report referenced by 8 News Now, the suspects put a towel over the victim’s head and threatened his life to obtain his digital wallet passwords. The victim told authorities that the teens claimed his father was also at risk. During the ordeal, the teens made a speakerphone call with a fourth person who appeared to be directing them, police noted.
Investigators determined that the suspects drove the victim over 70 miles to White Hills, Arizona. After extracting the access codes from him, they stole his digital assets and left him stranded in the desert. The victim walked five miles to reach assistance at a gas station, police say.
Evidence connecting the suspects includes surveillance footage of the victim’s vehicle, corroborating witness accounts, and the recovery of a firearm during a traffic stop in Mississippi. Police records indicate the three teenagers have a history of disruptive incidents at their Florida high school.
During recent court hearings, Ashraf’s attorney requested house arrest for his client, while the judge ordered electronic monitoring. Fletcher’s defense also argued against detention, but the judge set bail at $4 million, equal to the amount allegedly stolen.
Authorities, including the FBI, are continuing their investigation. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June. The suspects face charges including kidnapping, robbery, and extortion. Surveillance footage also captured the victim’s car leaving the scene during the robbery, court documents confirm.
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