California Crypto Robbery Indictment: $6.5M Stolen in Violent Attacks

• Three Tennessee men charged after Bay Area and LA home invasions targeting crypto holders
• Indictment highlights spike in “wrench attacks,” prompting urgent law enforcement response

Federal prosecutors indicted Elijah Armstrong, Nino Chindavanh, and Jayden Rucker in California for allegedly orchestrating violent home-invasion robberies and kidnappings that targeted cryptocurrency holders in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, with suspects forcing victims to transfer $6.5 million in digital assets, CoinDesk reported on May 12, 2026.

Armstrong, Chindavanh, and Rucker allegedly posed as delivery drivers to obtain access to victims’ homes, according to prosecutors. Authorities accuse the men of restraining victims with weapons, duct tape, and zip ties, and forcing them to transfer large sums of cryptocurrency during the attacks.

Federal charges include conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, kidnapping, and attempted robbery, offenses that could carry life sentences. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and local police.

The indictment underscores a surge in violent “wrench attacks” targeting cryptocurrency owners in 2026. Law enforcement has expressed concern over the growing frequency and severity of these crimes. The accused remain in federal custody, with court appearances scheduled for May and June.