Two Teens Suspected in $66M Crypto Heist Highlight Rising Crypto Security Risks

Authorities say extortionists using Signal pressured California travelers into a Scottsdale home invasion targeting crypto assets, underscoring rising security risks for crypto holders.

Rich by Coin

2026-02-10

In Scottsdale, Arizona, two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of attempting to steal about $66 million in cryptocurrency assets. Investigators say they acted under pressure from unknown individuals who contacted them via Signal. The suspects, Jackson Sullivan and Skylar Lapaille, traveled from California, covering more than 600 miles.

They were allegedly extorted by individuals using the aliases Red and 8, who provided target information and paid $1,000 for training. The teens allegedly posed as couriers to gain access to the house, where residents were tied up with duct tape. Authorities recovered a 3D-printed weapon without ammunition, and its functionality remains under evaluation.

A mother of one of the teens alerted authorities after discovering messages on her son’s phone, and another resident in the home also contacted police. Both suspects are being held on $50,000 bail with electronic monitoring. Law enforcement notes a rise in “5-dollar wrench” attacks and data leaks as additional risks for crypto holders, since Bitcoin transactions cannot be canceled after confirmation.