Two Texas siblings have been federally charged following the alleged abduction of a Minnesota family and the theft of $8 million in cryptocurrency in the United States.
The case has garnered national attention due to the uptick in crimes involving digital assets. Authorities report that the brothers utilized firearms, coercion, and their knowledge of cryptocurrency in a significant US kidnapping.
Crime Sequence: Hostage and Crypto Transfer
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According to federal documents, Raymond Christian Garcia, 23, and Isiah Angelo Garcia, 24, allegedly held three family members hostage for nine hours. This incident took place in Grant, Minnesota, on September 19, leading local schools to suspend activities amid the investigation.
During the crisis, Isiah Garcia reportedly forced the father to transfer significant cryptocurrency holdings into a wallet overseen by Raymond Garcia. They also located additional funds saved on a hard drive at a cabin three hours away. One brother held the hostages at gunpoint with an AR-15-style rifle while the other escorted the father to the cabin to retrieve the hard drive and transfer the remaining crypto.
Ultimately, the family managed to contact 911 when the opportunity arose. Investigators tracked the suspects using surveillance footage, a fast-food receipt, and rental car records, leading them to the brothers’ home in Waller, Texas. Upon arrest, Isiah Garcia allegedly confessed to his involvement.
The case underscores the increasing security challenges associated with digital currencies.
“These crimes illustrate the emerging risks when large crypto holdings intersect with physical threats,” stated FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston, Sr.
Crypto Kidnappings by Young Adults Across the US
The Minnesota incident is not an isolated case. Similar crimes have been reported nationwide. In May, a man in New York City was held captive for weeks while his captors coerced him into handing over cryptocurrency. Additionally, in November 2024, two teenagers in Las Vegas reportedly forced a victim to give up $4 million in cryptocurrency.
These occurrences highlight the broader security risks tied to digital assets, prompting law enforcement to investigate the orchestration of such crimes.
Acting US Attorney Joseph H. Thompson stated that the violence posed “a direct threat to community safety” and urged for increased vigilance as cryptocurrency-related crimes escalate across the nation.
Authorities are continuing to probe any further criminal activities linked to the Garcia brothers. Both face federal and state charges that include kidnapping, first-degree burglary, and aggravated robbery, potentially leading to lengthy prison sentences if convicted.
