The FBI has hatched a surreal plot to kidnap a Miami jeweler and steal $2 million in cryptocurrency.
According to an official report, a confidential source had tipped off the police about the planned kidnapping.
They claimed that a man named “Jack” had gathered a group that planned to strike on the morning of January 13.
The leader had started a Telegram chat to arrange the kidnapping, reportedly calling the group’s members the “goons.”
Screenshots were shared that appeared to show the victim, who works at the Seybold jewelry building, confirming that he had a significant amount of crypto in his possession and was willing to exchange it for cash.
According to FBI Special Agent Ryan Dreibelbis, “Jack” wrote messages about how to carry out the kidnapping, saying, “I told them not to hurt him or do anything to him. We just have to get him.”
Other members of the group revealed that on the day of the kidnapping they would be armed with Mac-10s and .223 assault rifles.
The confidential source revealed that they were asked to provide the vehicle to be used for the kidnapping. It was then agreed that “a tall black man” named “D” would deliver one.
But before the Chevy Tahoe was turned over, police bugged the SUV with recording equipment and GPS tracking. Then an undercover officer posing as “D” so he could meet one of the suspects in person.
The four men involved in the plot were confronted by officers when they met on the day of the kidnapping.
Three attempted to flee but were quickly captured, while another who ran away was captured at a nearby business.
Recorded conversations between them appeared to indicate that they intended to give the victim “a good whack” on the head, but did not want to cause brain damage.
Evan Puckett, Tre’von Anthony Neal, Zacary Briggs and Aaron Hammond are all charged with conspiracy and attempted kidnapping.
They are being held in jail without bond and are scheduled to appear in court in Florida on Tuesday.
Edited by Stacy Elliott.
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