Nancy Guthrie’s Kidnapper ‘Showed His Achilles’ in Ransom Note, Says Crypto Expert
By Leah Bitsky
Published: February 9, 2026, 3:40 p.m. ET
Nancy Guthrie’s alleged kidnapper may have inadvertently exposed a crucial weakness by using a real Bitcoin address in the ransom note demanding her release, according to a leading cryptocurrency expert.
Bezalel Eithan Raviv, CEO and founder of Lionsgate Network, a crypto recovery and blockchain forensic service, spoke with Page Six about how this key detail could help track down the abductor. “He showed his Achilles to everyone who understands blockchain forensics,” Raviv remarked on Monday.
The Ransom Demand and Bitcoin Traceability
The ransom note purportedly demanded $6 million in Bitcoin to be sent to a specific cryptocurrency wallet in exchange for Nancy Guthrie’s release. According to Raviv, this is a critical error on the part of the criminal.
“Whenever cyber criminals provide their wallet address, they basically reveal themselves in many ways,” Raviv explained. He elaborated that the standard investigative approach involves sending a small amount of cryptocurrency to the wallet to analyze where it moves next. “That’s from our perspective, based on previous cases that have been incredibly successful,” he noted.
Contrary to some popular belief, Raviv emphasized that cryptocurrency is not untraceable. “Many people in 2026 still believe you cannot trace crypto or recover it. These are all nonsense ideas because we have shifted so much,” he said. He pointed out that even one single transaction can yield valuable data useful for investigating the case.
“This is exactly what blockchain forensics is all about—tracing the blocks generated with each and every transaction,” Raviv stated.
Challenges and Opportunities in Law Enforcement’s Crypto Expertise
Raviv believes the suspect may be counting on law enforcement’s lack of understanding about cryptocurrency and blockchain. “I think the vulnerable point here for law enforcement is their lack of ability to understand crypto and blockchain, and this is why it’s taking longer than it should,” he warned. Guthrie has been missing since February 1. He strongly advocates for better training of law enforcement agents in blockchain forensics or involving specialists with expertise in the field. “We need to train our law enforcement agents with blockchain forensics and crypto, or find the right people to do the job,” Raviv urged.
The Nature of the Ransom Demand and Crypto Transactions
On the ransom amount, Raviv said $6 million in Bitcoin is “a very predictable figure.” Drawing from historical cases, he explained: “If I were to take it to ChatGPT and ask, ‘If I were to do this, how much money will I request?’ it will be between 5 to 10 million USD.”
He further clarified why cryptocurrency demands can backfire on criminals. “When you send crypto, you send a code, not physical cash,” Raviv explained. “You cannot eat off code or buy things directly with it. If you want to cash out, it has to be done via a crypto exchange.” This conversion process presents another opportunity for tracing and identification of suspects.
Ongoing Investigation and Hope for Nancy Guthrie’s Return
Nancy Guthrie, mother of television personality Savannah Guthrie, was last seen alive on the evening of January 31 after having dinner with family. She was reported missing the next day. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has since confirmed that her home in the Tucson area is being treated as a crime scene, noting she was forced from her residence against her will.
A DNA test verified that blood found outside her home belongs to Nancy Guthrie. The kidnappers issued ransom deadlines—one on February 5 and another on Monday, February 9 at 5 p.m. local time. Savannah Guthrie released an emotional video appeal on social media, pleading for her mother’s safe return and expressing willingness to pay the ransom.
Regarding Nancy’s status, Raviv said, “I do hope that she will be able to come back to her family and loved ones and this nightmare should be over with.”
Summary
- Nancy Guthrie’s alleged kidnapper demanded a $6 million ransom in Bitcoin using a real crypto address.
- Crypto expert Bezalel Eithan Raviv suggests this was a critical mistake because blockchain transactions can be traced.
- Law enforcement’s limited understanding of blockchain forensics may slow the investigation.
- Tracing the ransom payments and crypto exchanges could reveal the suspect’s identity.
- Nancy Guthrie has been missing since early February; authorities are actively investigating.
For ongoing updates on the case and insights into cryptocurrency’s role in modern crime investigations, stay tuned to Page Six.