According to a filing in a US district court in Florida, four men have been charged with kidnapping conspiracy, attempted kidnapping, robbery conspiracy, and attempted extortion following an arrest on 13 January.
As reported by local media, court documents reveal that a confidential source approached investigators on 6 January with information regarding a plan to kidnap a jeweller in Miami.
The group intended to steal more than $USD2 million ($AUD3.23 million) in cryptocurrency from the jeweller; however, the vehicle the men planned to use was wired with audio and listening devices.
Police arrived as the four men approached the vehicle on the day of the planned kidnapping. Three attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended, while a fourth temporarily escaped before being captured nearby.
“The men were initially booked into Broward Sheriff’s Office jail facilities following their arrests,” reports Chris Gothner for Local10.
“They are facing federal charges of kidnapping conspiracy, attempted conspiracy, Hobbs Act robbery and attempted Hobbs Act extortion.
“According to the US Department of Justice, the kidnapping conspiracy charge carries a potential life sentence.”
The group had multiple weapons, including two guns and a knife, at the time of the arrest.
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