Three men from Tennessee have been indicted and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and kidnapping following a series of violent incidents targeting cryptocurrency owners in California. The defendants, identified as Elijah Armstrong, Nino Chindavanh, and Jayden Rucker, allegedly travelled from Tennessee to the Greater Los Angeles area, where they were arrested in December 2025 in connection with the crimes.
Details of the Alleged Scheme
According to prosecutors, the trio posed as delivery drivers to gain access to victims' homes. Once inside, they used firearms, duct tape, and zip ties to assault and restrain the occupants. In one specific robbery, a victim was forced at gunpoint to log into their cryptocurrency accounts, resulting in approximately $6.5 million being transferred to a wallet controlled by the co-conspirators.
Prosecutors' Statements
U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian described the alleged scheme as 'sophisticated, brazen, violent, and dangerous.' The FBI has emphasised its commitment to bringing such organised criminal activity to justice. The case highlights the growing threat of physical attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders.
