The US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the sentencing of 12 individuals involved in a $3.5 million cryptocurrency heist.
Remy Ra St Felix, 25, of West Palm Beach, Florida, was sentenced to 47 years in prison for leading the violent home invasions aimed at stealing digital assets.
The group used SIM swapping techniques to gain control of victims’ phone numbers and access their cryptocurrency accounts. After seizing control, they carried out home invasions, holding victims at gunpoint and demanding access to their digital wallets.
In one instance, over $150,000 worth of cryptocurrency was stolen. The group then laundered the funds through anonymity-enhanced cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance platforms that bypass know-your-customer (KYC) checks.
Victims, including families in Florida and Texas, were held hostage for hours, beaten, and threatened during the robberies, according to the DOJ.
