The FBI busted the “smart guys” who were planning to take a jeweler hostage and steal $2 million in crypto

The FBI has revealed a surreal plan to rob a Miami jeweler and steal $2 million worth of cryptocurrency.

According to the court statement, A confidential source had informed law enforcement agencies about the planned kidnapping.

They said a man named “Jack” had assembled a group that planned to strike on the morning of January 13.

The leader of the group started a Telegram chat to arrange the kidnapping – allegedly calling the group members “no”.

Screenshots were shared showing the victim, who worked at the Seybold Jewelry Building, had a large amount of crypto in hand and was ready to exchange it for cash.

According to FBI Special Agent in Charge Ryan Dreibelbis, “Jack” wrote messages about how the abduction was to be carried out, saying, “I told them not to hurt him or swell him up. We just have to get him.”

Other members of the group said they were armed with Mak-10s and .223 assault rifles on the day of the abduction.

A confidential source revealed that they were asked to provide a car that could be used for the kidnapping. Then it was agreed that a “tall black guy” named “D” would deliver.

However, before the Chevy Tahoe was handed over, law enforcement had tampered with the SUV with recording devices and GPS tracking. An undercover agent then poses as “D” so he can meet one of the suspects face-to-face.

The four men involved met on the day of the kidnapping and confronted the officers.

Three tried to escape but were caught immediately, while another who escaped was caught at a nearby business.

Recorded calls between them revealed that they planned to give the victim “a good bop” to the head but did not want to cause brain damage.

Evan Puckett, Trevon Anthony Neal, Zachary Briggs and Aaron Hammond are all charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping and attempted kidnapping.

They are being held in custody and are due to appear in court in Florida on Tuesday.

Edited by Stacey Elliott.