Florida Teens Charged with Kidnapping and Stealing $4 Million in Cryptocurrency from Las Vegas Man
LAS VEGAS, NV – May 9, 2025 – In a shocking incident that underscores the growing concerns around cryptocurrency-related crimes, three teenagers from Florida are accused of kidnapping a Las Vegas man at gunpoint, transporting him to a remote desert location, and stealing approximately $4 million in cryptocurrency and digital assets.
Details of the Kidnapping Incident
According to law enforcement reports, the ordeal began when the victim, who is not named in documents, was exiting his vehicle after attending a cryptocurrency event in Downtown Las Vegas. The suspects, identified as Belal Ashraf and Austin Fletcher, both 16 years old and from Pasco County, Florida, along with a third unidentified teenager, forcibly entered the victim’s vehicle, allegedly threatening his life and extorting him for access to his digital financial accounts.
During the kidnapping, the victim was reportedly told, “If you comply, you will live to see another day, and if you do not comply, we have your dad and will kill him.” The suspects restrained the victim with a towel over his head to prevent him from identifying them while demanding passwords to his cryptocurrency accounts. Authorities indicate that the trio may have been communicating with an accomplice via speakerphone during the ordeal.
The victim was forced to drive more than 70 miles across the Nevada state line to White Hills, Arizona, where he was ultimately released. After escaping his captors, the victim managed to walk five miles through the desert to reach a gas station, where he called a friend for assistance.
Investigation and Arrests
Metro Police launched an investigation following the victim’s report, utilizing surveillance footage to track the alleged kidnappers’ vehicle from Florida to Nevada. They identified the suspects through various leads, including disturbing reports from a Florida high school, where the three teenagers had exhibited troubling behavior during the previous summer.
Authorities confirmed the capture of Ashraf and Fletcher, who have been charged with serious offenses including robbery, kidnapping, and extortion. The third suspect reportedly fled the United States and remains at large. During a hearing, Fletcher was denied house arrest and assigned a bail of $4 million, while Ashraf’s attorney secured his release under electronic monitoring.
The court proceedings are ongoing, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for June. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is collaborating with local law enforcement as the case progresses.
Community Concerns and Broader Implications
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with cryptocurrency transactions and the criminal activities that can arise in connection with digital financial assets. As the popularity of cryptocurrencies continues to grow, so too do the vulnerabilities and dangers that accompany this relatively new economic landscape.
The community is left grappling with questions about safety, both in terms of online security and personal safety in physical interactions related to cryptocurrency. As the case continues to develop, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigations while reminding users to practice caution when engaging in cryptocurrency matters.
For further information, contact the Las Vegas Metro Police Department or stay tuned for updates as more details emerge from this alarming situation.
This article was reported by David Charns, reach him at [email protected].
[End of Article]
© 2025 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This article may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Share this article:
