Two Texas brothers, Raymond Christian Garcia, 23, and Isiah Angelo Garcia, 24, are facing federal kidnapping charges after a harrowing incident in Grant, Minnesota. The duo held a Minnesota family at gunpoint for nine hours, stealing a staggering $8 million in cryptocurrency. The brazen act not only resulted in a significant financial loss but also disrupted the local community to the extent that schools had to cancel their homecoming football game.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) detailed the disturbing events that unfolded on September 19. Armed with an AR-15 and a shotgun, the Garcia brothers launched a violent attack on the unsuspecting family. The ordeal began when they ambushed the primary victim as he was taking out the garbage at 7:45 am. Subsequently, they bound the man, his wife, and their adult son at gunpoint, coercing the father to log into his crypto accounts.
During the nine-hour ordeal, Isiah Garcia forced the victim to transfer all available cryptocurrency while Raymond kept the family hostage. The brothers also maintained contact with an unknown accomplice who provided crucial information about the victim’s crypto holdings and transfer procedures. When the accomplice revealed the existence of additional funds at a family cabin located three hours away, Isiah drove the victim to the location for further transfers.
The meticulously planned heist demonstrated military-style precision, with the Garcia brothers using zip ties and assault weapons to instill fear and maintain control over their victims. Raymond Garcia, armed with the AR-15, remained vigilant throughout the ordeal, only briefly leaving to conceal the weapon before law enforcement arrived.
The situation escalated when the son managed to call 911 while Raymond was momentarily away from the house. Washington County Sheriff’s deputies swiftly responded, discovering the wife and son still bound inside. Raymond was spotted fleeing through the back door towards nearby trees. A subsequent search led to the discovery of a suitcase hidden in the woods containing the disassembled AR-15, ammunition, clothing, and beverages.
Authorities were able to trace Isiah’s rental of a white Chevrolet near Houston three days before the kidnapping, as well as Raymond’s motel room rental in Roseville, Minnesota, just before the attack. The investigation further revealed the brothers’ journey back to their home in Waller, Texas, following the crime.
The elaborate nature of the crime prompted Mahtomedi Public Schools to cancel their homecoming football game due to ongoing law enforcement activities in the vicinity. The brothers, unaware of the police presence, encountered multiple law enforcement units while returning from the cabin, eventually pulling over to let emergency vehicles pass.
The incident adds to a concerning trend of crypto-related kidnappings globally. Chainalysis reported a surge in wrench attacks, with 35 incidents recorded in July 2025, coinciding with Bitcoin’s meteoric rise. The rise in cryptocurrency values has attracted criminal elements, leading to a spate of violent incidents worldwide.
From France to India, cases of crypto-related violence have been on the rise, including high-profile attacks on industry figures and investors. The surge in criminal activities has prompted increased demand for security services from crypto executives, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals with visible on-chain wealth.
As the Garcia brothers await sentencing for their federal kidnapping charges, the case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with cryptocurrency holdings and the need for robust security measures in an increasingly volatile digital landscape.