Brothers Charged in $8 Million Armed Crypto-Kidnapping Heist
GRANT, MINNESOTA – Two Texas brothers have been federally charged in Minnesota after authorities say they carried out a violent, nine-hour home invasion and cryptocurrency heist that netted $8 million and forced the cancellation of Mahtomedi Public Schools’ homecoming football game.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson, 23-year-old Raymond Christian Garcia and 24-year-old Isiah Angelo Garcia are each facing federal kidnapping charges, alongside multiple state counts of kidnapping with a firearm, first-degree aggravated robbery, and first-degree burglary.
The Kidnapping and Crypto Heist
The ordeal began on the morning of September 19, 2025, in Grant, Minnesota. At around 7:45 a.m., a father (Victim 1) was outside taking out garbage when the Garcia brothers confronted him with an AR-15-style rifle and a shotgun. They bound his hands with zip ties and forced him inside the home, where his wife and adult son were also restrained at gunpoint.
For the next nine hours, Raymond Garcia held the wife and son hostage while Isiah Garcia forced the father to transfer cryptocurrency funds from his accounts into a digital wallet the brothers controlled. Authorities say a third party guided the pair via phone, who appeared to provide instructions on cryptocurrency accounts and transfers.
When the brothers learned more funds were stored on a hard-drive-style crypto wallet at the family’s cabin three hours away, Isiah forced Victim 1 at gunpoint to drive with him to the location. Meanwhile, Raymond remained behind with the family, armed with the rifle. At the cabin, Isiah compelled Victim 1 to transfer the remaining assets before driving him back home.
In total, $8 million in cryptocurrency was stolen.
Escape, 911 Call, and School Lockdown
The situation unraveled when Raymond briefly left the residence. The family’s son managed to call 911 around 4:45 p.m., prompting a significant law enforcement response. Deputies found the wife and son still zip-tied inside. Raymond fled out the back door, leaving behind a suitcase in the tree line that contained a disassembled rifle, ammunition, clothing, and a Wendy’s receipt that would later connect the brothers to the crime.
Meanwhile, Isiah was returning with Victim 1 when multiple squad cars rushed past. He turned around, ditched the shotgun in a field, and abandoned the truck near a middle school. With law enforcement activity unfolding nearby, Mahtomedi Public Schools canceled its homecoming football game for safety reasons.
Arrests and Confession
Investigators traced the Wendy’s receipt back to a rental vehicle obtained in Texas, as well as surveillance footage from a Motel 6 in Roseville. The rented Chevrolet Malibu was later tracked to Oklahoma and then Texas.
On September 22, 2025, the brothers were arrested at their home in Waller, Texas. Authorities say Isiah Garcia confessed, admitting that he and Raymond traveled to Minnesota, kidnapped the family, and carried out the crypto heist.
Federal Charges and Statements
The brothers were charged in Washington County District Court on September 23 and by federal complaint on September 24. They are expected to make their first federal court appearances this week, where prosecutors will seek their detention pending trial.
Acting U.S. Attorney Thompson condemned the attack, calling it “a blow to the sense of safety of everyone in Minnesota.” He added, “Minnesotans should not accept wild violence and thievery as normal. Every Minnesotan deserves to live in peace.”
FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston, Sr. said the crime was “a brazen cryptocurrency theft” and praised the swift cooperation between Minnesota and Texas law enforcement.
Community Impact and Legal Reminder
The case highlights the growing intersection of violent crime and digital currency theft, with investigators noting the involvement of an unknown third party.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office expressed sympathy for the victims and emphasized the bravery of the family’s quick 911 call. Prosecutors also credited the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and local schools for decisive action that kept the wider community safe.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca E. Kline is leading the federal prosecution.
Note: A federal complaint is an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Provided by the Waller County, Texas Sheriff’s Office. Pictured: Isiah Garcia (left) and Raymond Garcia (right).
Written by: Will Wight
