Minnesota Family Held at Gunpoint as Attackers Stole $8 Million in Crypto

Two Texas brothers have pleaded guilty for their role in the armed kidnapping and robbery of a Minnesota family that resulted in the theft of $8 million in crypto .

Isiah Angelo Garcia and Raymond Christian Garcia entered guilty pleas on June 18 to Interference with Commerce by Robbery, according to federal prosecutors in Minnesota. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. US Attorney Daniel Rosen said the guilty pleas demonstrate a commitment to holding the defendants accountable for their actions.

Family Held at Gunpoint for Hours

Prosecutors said the brothers traveled from Texas to Minnesota on Sept. 19, 2025, to carry out the crime. Armed with firearms, they threatened a victim and his family to gain access to cryptocurrency holdings.

The victim’s wife and son were held inside their home for nearly nine hours, while the victim was taken to a family cabin located about three hours away. Under threat, he was forced to transfer approximately $8 million in cryptocurrency from online accounts and hardware wallets.

Evidence Linked Suspects to Robbery

Authorities were alerted after the victim’s son managed to place an emergency call. Investigators later recovered a rifle and shotgun, along with surveillance footage and other evidence connecting the brothers to the crime.

Both men admitted using firearms during the robbery and agreed to pay more than $8 million in restitution. Sentencing hearings have not yet been scheduled.

Crypto Owners Face Growing Security Threats

The case comes as physical attacks against cryptocurrency holders continue to rise worldwide. Blockchain security firm CertiK reported that crypto related kidnappings and assaults increased by 75% in 2025 compared with the previous year. Estimated losses from these attacks reached $101 million during the first four months of 2026 alone.

The growing threat has also prompted governments, including France, to introduce preventive measures aimed at protecting crypto investors from so-called wrench attacks.