U.S. federal prosecutors have charged two Texas brothers, Raymond Christian Garcia, 23, and Isiah Angelo Garcia, 24, with violently kidnapping a Minnesota family and stealing $8 million in cryptocurrency. The incident occurred on September 19, when the brothers allegedly forced their way into the family's home in Grant, Minnesota, using an AR-15-style rifle and a shotgun. They held a man, his wife, and their son hostage for nine hours, binding them and demanding cryptocurrency transfers.
According to court filings, the stolen assets included Bitcoin and Ethereum, making this one of the largest cryptocurrency heists linked to a physical home invasion in U.S. history. During the ordeal, Isiah Garcia forced the father at gunpoint to drive three hours to a family cabin to access additional crypto holdings, while Raymond remained with the mother and son. The son managed to call 911 when Raymond left the home, leading to police intervention and the arrest of the brothers in Waller, Texas, on September 22. Isiah Garcia has confessed to the crime.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson stated, "A violent kidnapping that stole $8 million and silenced a homecoming game is not just a crime. It is a blow to the sense of safety of everyone in Minnesota." The case has prompted broader concerns about crypto-fueled kidnappings, often called "wrench attacks," which are rising globally. The brothers face federal kidnapping charges and state counts including aggravated robbery and burglary, with potential life sentences if convicted.