FBI investigates a $15M crypto kidnapping case in Chicago, arrests one suspect, searches for others, and tracks missing crypto funds.
The FBI recently unsealed court documents and revealed a major kidnapping case involving $15 million in cryptocurrency transactions. In October 2023, six individuals committed the act of kidnapping along with three family members and their childcare provider. The kidnappers held the victims hostage for five days. Then, they forced them to transfer cryptocurrency funds.
Authorities claimed Zehuan Wei got arrested while attempting to enter the United States territory. The authorities are still working to investigate the five suspects. These include Fan Zhang, Huajing Yan, Shengnan Jiang, Shiqiang Lian, and Ye Cao. The arrest of Wei led to an escape by certain suspects who used Mexico as their point of departure to reach China.
The victims alerted authorities to their situation after one of the abducted people made contact with father via WeChat messaging application. The abductors ordered payment through Bitcoin or Ethereum currency. After this, they hurt the hostages unless their demands were fulfilled. The FBI affidavit establishes the kidnappers broke into the Chicago townhouse by force and then took the family against their will using guns.
FBI Remains Committed to Capturing Crypto Kidnapping Suspects
A suspect approached the door pretending his vehicle had struck the victim’s garage door before entering forcefully. A group of armed men immediately entered through an opened door to capture and constrain the victims before forcing them into a white van. The kidnappers moved their victims from the white van to Forest Park. On this site, they housed them at an Airbnb rental for one full night. The victims were initially taken to a secret place after the abduction before their release in Chicago happened on November 1.
The victims disclosed their kidnappers provided food from McDonald’s, Subway, Culver’s, and PF Chang’s throughout their abduction period. Meanwhile, law enforcement carefully examined surveillance footage to identify the suspects. Additionally, they tracked information from customs, driver IDs, and rental agency records to strengthen their investigation. Authorities continue their search for $9 million worth of cryptocurrency since the robbery while selected investigation costs have been uncovered.
The FBI continues its firm dedication to solving this case as they work to swiftly bring all suspects to legal proceedings.
Source: https://www.livebitcoinnews.com/fbi-unveils-15m-crypto-kidnapping-case-in-chicago/