Florida Teens Hold Vegas Crypto Host at Gunpoint Over $4 Million in Assets

Three Florida teenagers have been charged with kidnapping and robbing a Las Vegas man of $4 million in cryptocurrency and NFTs following a crypto event last November.

According to police, the victim had just returned home after hosting the event when he was ambushed at gunpoint by Belal Ashraf, Austin Fletcher, and a third unnamed suspect.

The assailants forced him into their vehicle, covered his head with a towel, and warned him not to look at them.

They then drove him more than 70 miles into the Arizona desert near White Hills, where the robbery unfolded.

Crypto Host Faces Life-or-Death Ultimatum Over Wallet Access

In the remote desert, the victim was held at gunpoint and forced to surrender the passwords to his cryptocurrency and NFT accounts.

The teenage assailants allegedly threatened to kill him if he did not comply, claiming they had his father and would harm him as well.

Authorities believe a fourth individual may have been involved, communicating with the teens via speakerphone during the ordeal.

After the suspects drained his accounts of $4 million, they abandoned the victim in the desert.

He reportedly walked five miles to a gas station, where he was finally able to call a friend for help.

Florida Teens Charged

Two 16-year-olds from Florida are facing serious charges—including robbery, kidnapping, and extortion—stemming from the high-profile crypto abduction case.

A third alleged accomplice has reportedly fled the country, according to prosecutors.

One suspect remains in custody on $4 million bail, while the other has been released under house arrest with electronic monitoring.

Both are expected to be tried as adults, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for June.

The case has sparked concern within the crypto community, with digital asset attorney Sasha Hodder noting it as a stark example of how tactics used in crypto-related crimes are becoming more sophisticated and alarming.