# Violent Bitcoin Theft Plan in the US Three men accused of planning to steal millions in Bitcoin through violent means. - **Source:** [INCRYPTED](https://brifing.si/source/7cd4625d-3f08-4cc1-983d-4c7d991839ba) - **Published:** 2026-08-05 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d3e644d7-e055-49bb-bf62-3311fd5f291a ## Charges and Plan Three men from Missouri were charged with planning a violent scheme to steal millions in Bitcoin. Cedric Louis, John Davis, and Martel Williams face up to 20 years in prison under the Hobbs Act. The plan involved forcing the victim to transfer Bitcoin. The suspects rented vehicles and acquired weapons in Connecticut. ## Surveillance and Preparation Between August 21-24, 2024, the suspects traveled to Connecticut to surveil the victim and their family. They purchased pneumatic rifles and radios. For two days, they monitored the victim's movements. The plan was to break into the victim's home and force a Bitcoin transfer. Security cameras and communication issues thwarted their efforts. ## Florida Group Takes Over After the Missouri group left, another group from Florida arrived in Connecticut. On August 25, 2024, six individuals were arrested for carjacking, assault, and kidnapping. The victims were family members of individuals involved in a prior Bitcoin theft. The Florida group executed the plan the Missouri group failed to carry out. ## Legal Proceedings On May 22, 2026, a federal grand jury presented an updated indictment against the three Missouri men. Louis and Davis were arrested on June 25, 2026, and pleaded not guilty on July 30. Williams appeared in court on July 17 and was released on bail. The prosecution emphasized that an indictment is not proof of guilt. ## Hobbs Act and Penalties The Hobbs Act is a federal law covering robberies affecting interstate commerce. In this case, the suspects are charged under this act, facing up to 20 years in prison. The prosecution alleges the suspects planned a violent Bitcoin theft. The outcome could set a precedent for crypto-related crimes. ## Rise in Crypto Crimes This case highlights the increase in crimes targeting crypto assets. In July 2026, a Florida man was arrested for distributing malware to steal crypto. Such crimes underscore the need for enhanced security measures. The stolen Bitcoin, worth millions, demonstrates the severity of these offenses. ## Victims' Situation The victims were family members of individuals involved in a major Bitcoin theft. The suspects targeted these families to access the stolen Bitcoin. The Connecticut incidents caused physical and psychological harm to the victims. The case's progression is crucial for the victims' safety. ## Crypto Security and Legal Measures This case exposes gaps in crypto asset security. The rise in violent crimes calls for stricter security measures. Faster legal processes and deterrent penalties could play a key role in prevention. The crypto industry must prepare for such threats to ensure asset safety. ## Sources covering this story - https://incrypted.com/v-ssha-troih-muzhchin-obvinili-v-popytke-siloj-zavladet-bitkoinami/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._