Former LAPD Officer Allegedly Planned Crypto Kidnapping and Robbery

A former Los Angeles Police Department officer and an associate with ties to the Israeli Mafia have been charged in a plot to kidnap a 17-year-old cryptocurrency entrepreneur and steal $350,000 in digital assets. The alleged scheme involved a six-person gang that targeted the teen's Hollywood Hills home, where he operated a crypto business.

Deputy District Attorney Jane Brownstone revealed details during bail hearings for Eric Halem, the ex-LAPD officer, and Gabby Ben, a twice-convicted fraudster. Both men pleaded not guilty. Halem, who served 13 years on the force before leaving in 2022, had developed several business ventures, including a luxury car rental service and a remote audition app for actors.

The case highlights the risks facing cryptocurrency holders as digital assets become increasingly valuable targets for criminal activity. While no specific coins were mentioned in the court filings, the incident underscores the need for robust security measures in the crypto space.