Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, has become the center of a harrowing investigation involving a $6 million Bitcoin ransom demand.
After he disappeared from his home in Arizona earlier this month, the kidnappers sent media requests with a strict crypto payment deadline that was notably missed.
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing in Arizona. Homicide detectives are investigating. pic.twitter.com/8zWnWkxSJU
– Intel open source (@Osint613) February 2, 2026
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This heartbreaking case highlights how criminals are attempting to exploit Bitcoin technology to maintain anonymity, putting cryptocurrency extortion back in the national spotlight.
What happened and why it matters
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from her home in Tucson. The situation quickly escalated when a purported ransom note reached TMZ, demanding $6 million in Bitcoin be sent to a specific wallet address.
A second deadline was missed Monday evening without a resolution, intensifying the urgency of law enforcement.
This is not just a physical crime; it’s a digital puzzle. Investigators are currently analyzing the ransom notes with AI experts, suspecting that artificial intelligence may have been used to generate messages aimed at hiding the kidnapper’s identity.
Nancy Guthrie’s house was bustling with police activity on Friday, with a constant stream of vehicles coming in and out… as well as a tow truck that was seen hauling away a blue SUV as the search for Nancy continues. (
Fox News)
Learn more: pic.twitter.com/kyb1f5zVT9
-TMZ (@TMZ) February 7, 2026
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How Crypto Extortion Scams Work
Why do criminals demand Bitcoin? They are banking on the idea that cryptocurrencies are untraceable.
In reality, Bitcoin operates on a public ledger called a blockchain. This means that every transaction is permanently recorded and everyone can see it.
In such cases, extortionists send a wallet address, expecting payment without revealing their identity. However, this method is increasingly risky for criminals. Once Bitcoin is transferred to an exchange to be sold for cash, authorities can often track it.
Unfortunately, physical threats aimed at obtaining cryptocurrencies are becoming a worrying trend. We saw similar tactics used against a crypto holder in France, proving that digital assets can have real-world security implications.
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The post Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Targeted in Bitcoin Ransom appeared first on 99Bitcoins.
