Crypto Heist Fallout: How a Connecticut Family’s Lambo Led to a Failed Ransom Plot

October 10, 2024
Crypto Heist Fallout: How a Connecticut Family's Lambo Led to a Failed Ransom Plot

A Connecticut couple, the parents of a 19-year-old honors student suspected of involvement in a $243 million crypto theft, were kidnapped and assaulted while out house-hunting in a new Lamborghini, prosecutors revealed. The kidnapping occurred one week after their son allegedly took part in a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam, raising unsettling questions about possible connections between the two incidents.

Crypto Crime: The Carjacking Incident

On the afternoon of August 25, 2024, in Danbury, Connecticut, a married couple in their 50s, driving a Lamborghini Urus with temporary tags, were rear-ended by a Honda Civic in a gated community. Immediately after, three men from a following van assaulted the couple and forced them into the van. Local police pursued the vehicle, which later crashed and was abandoned. The police found the couple inside the van, bound with duct tape and showing signs of physical assault, particularly the husband, who was attacked with a baseball bat.

Six suspects, aged 18 to 26, all from Florida, were arrested and face charges including first-degree assault, kidnapping, and reckless endangerment. According to the authorities, the suspects intended to hold the couple for ransom, believing their son had access to significant amounts of cryptocurrency due to his involvement in the massive cyber heist.

One of the alleged masterminds of the kidnapping plot, Angel “Chi Chi” Borrero, 23, had previously been arrested in 2022 for aggravated assault. Borrero and his accomplices believed that by abducting the couple, they could force them to hand over part of the stolen cryptocurrency.

The $243 Million Crypto Theft

The carjacking stemmed from the couple’s son’s alleged involvement in a $243 million cryptocurrency scam. According to information provided by ZachXBT, a cryptocurrency crime investigator, the son, identified as Veer Chetal, was part of a cybercriminal group responsible for executing the heist. The scam involved a phone-based social engineering attack, where the perpetrators tricked the victim into revealing sensitive information, including Gmail and iCloud credentials, which led to the theft of the cryptocurrency from a Washington, D.C. resident.

Crypto Heist Fallout: How a Connecticut Family's Lambo Led to a Failed Ransom Plot

ZachXBT’s investigation linked Chetal, who used the alias “Wiz” in online chatrooms, to the stolen cryptocurrency. A Discord chat session screen recording revealed his involvement. Additionally, the group members boasted about their crime in these chatrooms, referencing their real names and online handles, further implicating them in the theft.

The Connections to An Organized Cybercrime

The suspects involved in the kidnapping and crypto scam appear to be part of a larger network of cybercriminals known as “The Com,” a decentralized group of individuals collaborating on various cybercrimes, including extortion, theft, and cryptocurrency scams. Members of this network often flaunt their wealth, using stolen funds to purchase luxury goods, cars, and real estate.

Several members of the group, including those implicated in the $243 million heist, were also involved in previous smaller-scale cyber crimes. The group’s members frequently post videos and images on social media, showing off their illicit gains from their crypto scams, such as luxury cars, jewelry, and expensive vacations. One of the suspects, identified as Malone “Greavys” Lam, allegedly used stolen funds from the heist to buy over 10 luxury cars and spend vast sums at nightclubs.

As authorities continue to trace the stolen cryptocurrency, further charges are expected. Two suspects, Lam and Jeandiel Serrano, have already been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Investigators are also working to uncover the full scope of the crime, as well as the identities of all individuals involved in the scheme.

While Chetal has not yet been formally charged, evidence gathered by investigators strongly links him to the heist.

The Miami-area men arrested for the kidnapping are currently being held on bonds ranging from $1 million to $2 million.

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Lawrence does not hold any crypto asset. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.

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