Six men allegedly tempted three families and nannies from their Chicago townhouse in October 2024 face charges, according to recent unsold court records And they are forced to transfer $15 million worth of cryptocurrency before releasing it near the dry cleaner a few days later.
As reported by the Chicago Tribune, the shocking five-day invitation is outlined in a 44-page FBI affidavit released last week. The FBI investigation gathered evidence from a variety of sources, including receipts, unused zip ties, car rentals, suburban Airbnbs and surveillance footage from fast food restaurants. The records also detailed the use of cryptocurrency wallets accessed during crime.
The incident began when one of the suspects knocked on the townhouse door, claiming that he had injured the victim’s garage door. As soon as the door opened, an armed man attacked the house and seized the victim. The victim was then taken to Airbnb rentals, where the temptants demanded the transfer of cryptocurrency under the threat of violence.
Despite being blackmailed and in one instance hit a firearm, the victim was treated relatively well in captivity and received food from a fast food restaurant. Five days later they were released near a dry cleaner where Uber managed to arrange for them to take him to the hospital.
Authorities immediately began an investigation, leading to the arrest of one suspect, Zehuan Wei, in January 2025. However, other suspects are believed to have fled to China, and for now the $9 million stolen cryptocurrency remains unmeasured. The FBI continues to track funds and coordinate with international law enforcement agencies to arrest the remaining suspects.
Discover more from Earlybirds Invest
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
