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Teens Nabbed in $66M Crypto Heist Plot
8 Feb
Summary
- Two teens arrested for attempting to steal $66 million in crypto.
- Suspects traveled over 600 miles from California to Arizona.
- Extortion via secure messaging app allegedly motivated the crime.
Two teenagers face charges after a foiled plot to steal $66 million in cryptocurrency from a Scottsdale, Arizona residence. The suspects, Jackson Sullivan and Skylar Lapaille, reportedly journeyed over 600 miles from California for the operation. Investigators believe they were coerced into the crime via the secure messaging app Signal by individuals known only as “Red” and “8”.
Authorities received an alert about the planned theft from one of the teen's mothers, who discovered suspicious messages on her son's phone. During the home invasion attempt, the teens allegedly posed as delivery drivers before entering and restraining victims, similar to a past incident in San Francisco. Both teens have been released on $50,000 bail and are required to wear ankle monitors.
This incident highlights growing concerns over physical crypto thefts, often termed '$5 wrench attacks.' The article also references common Bitcoin email scams involving extortion and data breaches compromising crypto holders' personal information. Such vulnerabilities underscore the need for enhanced security measures in the digital asset space.
