A group of individuals in Florida was arrested after attempting to kidnap a Miami jeweler in a plot to steal $2 million in cryptocurrency. The suspects, identified as Evan Puckett, 18, Tre’von Anthony Neal, 20, Zacary Briggs, 22, and Aaron Hammond, 21, are facing multiple charges, including kidnapping conspiracy, attempted kidnapping, robbery conspiracy, and attempted extortion.
The plot was foiled after a confidential informant tipped off authorities on January 6, 2025. According to the FBI, the informant revealed that a person named “Jack” had been organizing a group of men to kidnap a jeweler who worked at the Seybold building in downtown Miami. The victim was attempting to exchange cryptocurrency for cash, and the kidnappers planned to hold him captive until he provided them with the money.
The FBI obtained evidence of the plot from a group chat referred to as “Play,” where the suspects communicated in code. One of the men allegedly texted, “What’s good guys … Big money easy,” to which Jack responded, “let’s talk ab setting it up.” The group discussed their plan, including the vehicle they would use and the weapons needed to carry out the crime. One of the men stated that they would need around $3,500 upfront to purchase the necessary supplies, though another suspect expressed concerns about the high cost and offered to cover the “rental car money.”
The plan involved kidnapping the victim and holding him until they received the cryptocurrency. However, the group emphasized that they did not intend to harm the victim. They even requested the informant to supply the vehicle for the kidnapping, which was later delivered by an undercover agent. The vehicle was equipped with surveillance devices, including cameras, a tracker, and listening equipment. Additionally, the FBI tracked the phones of Puckett and Neal using GPS.
In the planning stages, one of the suspects allegedly stated that a “one knock” or “one good bop” would be enough to incapacitate the victim without causing permanent harm. The group also discussed the use of firearms, and on January 13, Puckett obtained two weapons a handgun and an AR-style pistol. He sent photos of the firearms to the group, and Neal, Hammond, and Briggs drove from Central Florida to Broward County to execute the plan.
However, the FBI was waiting for them, and the four suspects were arrested before they could carry out the kidnapping. The agents ordered the men to the ground, and while three complied, Neal attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. Following their arrests, the suspects were read their Miranda rights. Puckett admitted to his role in the plot but claimed the firearms were for protection. Neal stated he was merely acting as “security” in case the robbery went wrong. Briggs claimed he was just the driver and said Neal had been using his phone during the trip. Hammond explained that Puckett’s role was to pretend to be interested in buying watches, which would lure the victim out to the car, where they planned to attack him.
All four men are currently in jail without bond and are scheduled to appear in court on January 21.
