Wrench attack case: Three men charged over $6.5M crypto robbery

US prosecutors have charged three Tennessee men over an alleged robbery and kidnapping spree targeting cryptocurrency holders in California. 

The defendants are Elijah Armstrong, 21, Nino Chindavanh, 21, and Jayden Rucker, 25. 

The Justice Department said the indictment was filed on March 31 and unsealed after the men were arrested. Prosecutors said the alleged targets were based in San Francisco, San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Los Angeles. 

Fake delivery tactic led to home entries

The men allegedly posed as delivery workers to gain entry, or try to gain entry, into victims’ homes. Prosecutors said they then used firearms, duct tape, and zip ties to restrain victims and demand access to crypto accounts. 

In one case, a victim was allegedly forced at gunpoint to sign into crypto accounts. A co-conspirator then transferred about $6.5 million in digital assets to a wallet controlled by the group, the Justice Department said. 

US Attorney Craig Missakian said, “These individuals, as alleged, terrorized their victims in the hopes of stealing vast sums of cryptocurrency.” He also described the alleged scheme as “brazen, violent, and dangerous.” 

FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo said the case involved robbery, kidnapping, and the theft of millions in crypto. He said the FBI would work with local partners to pursue people who target victims for digital assets. 

Wrench attacks draw wider concern

The case adds to growing concern over crypto wrench attacks. These crimes involve physical threats or violence used to force victims to transfer assets or reveal account access details. Market updates have tracked similar cases in France, including home invasions, kidnappings, and forced wallet access. 

French prosecutors recently charged 88 people in cases tied to alleged crypto wrench attacks. Authorities there recorded 18 incidents in 2024, 67 in 2025, and 47 so far in 2026, showing how physical crypto crime has grown. 

Defendants remain in federal custody

Armstrong, Chindavanh, and Rucker remain in federal custody. Armstrong and Rucker were scheduled to appear on May 12 for appointment of counsel, while Chindavanh is scheduled for a June 26 status hearing. 

The Justice Department said an indictment only alleges that crimes were committed. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, they face prison terms and fines tied to robbery and kidnapping charges.