🚨 BREAKING: KIDNAPPER’S FATAL MISTAKE EXPOSED IN RANSOM NOTE — CRYPTO EXPERT SAYS HE JUST HANDED OVER HIS ACHILLES’ HEEL! 😱💥

The alleged kidnapper of Nancy Guthrie thought demanding millions in Bitcoin would keep him invisible… but a top crypto forensics guru just called it out: by including a REAL Bitcoin address, he’s basically waved a giant red flag for blockchain trackers!

“He showed his Achilles to everyone who understands blockchain forensics,” warns Bezalel Eithan Raviv, CEO of Lionsgate Network — a crypto recovery specialist. That one arrogant move could let investigators trace every satoshi, follow the money trail, and nail the perp… even if no payment was ever made!

Full details:

A cryptocurrency forensics expert has asserted that the alleged kidnapper behind the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie — mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie — may have committed a critical error by providing a real Bitcoin address in ransom communications, effectively exposing what he called the perpetrator’s “Achilles’ heel.”

Bezalel Eithan Raviv, CEO and founder of Lionsgate Network, a firm specializing in blockchain forensics and crypto recovery, told Page Six in an exclusive interview published February 9, 2026, that the inclusion of the address in the note handed investigators a powerful tracing tool. “He showed his Achilles to everyone who understands blockchain forensics,” Raviv stated, emphasizing that Bitcoin transactions, while pseudonymous, leave permanent, public records on the blockchain that can be analyzed with the right expertise and resources.

The ransom notes — sent to multiple media outlets including TMZ, local Tucson station KGUN9, and others — demanded escalating payments in Bitcoin: an initial figure of $4 million by a Thursday deadline, followed by $6 million by Monday at 5 p.m. Arizona time (7 p.m. ET). Both deadlines passed without confirmed payment, further contact from the sender, or verifiable proof of life for Nancy Guthrie. TMZ verified the provided Bitcoin address as real and active but did not publish it, and reports indicate the associated wallet showed zero balance and no incoming transactions.

Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Catalina Foothills home near Tucson after being dropped off around 9:50 p.m. on January 31, 2026, following a family gathering at her daughter Annie’s residence. She was reported missing February 1 when she missed church. The scene bore signs of foul play: blood on the porch matching her DNA, a disconnected Ring doorbell camera around 1:47 a.m., motion detected at about 2:12 a.m., and loss of connection between her pacemaker app and phone. Authorities, including the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI, have treated it as a possible abduction, with Sheriff Chris Nanos stating she did not leave voluntarily.

The ransom communications complicated the investigation. Notes referenced specific details — such as Nancy’s Apple Watch not being worn and a damaged floodlight at her home — in apparent attempts to establish credibility. However, no photos, videos, or other direct proof of life accompanied them, raising doubts about authenticity amid concerns over deepfakes and AI. At least one unrelated hoaxer, a California man named Derrick Callella, was arrested for sending extortionate texts to the family demanding Bitcoin after seeing media coverage.

Raviv’s analysis highlights a common misconception: many criminals view Bitcoin as fully anonymous, but its blockchain is transparent. Every transaction is recorded publicly, allowing experts to trace funds from origin to destination, especially if linked to exchanges requiring know-your-customer (KYC) verification or if mixing services are poorly used. In high-profile cases, law enforcement often collaborates with blockchain analytics firms like Chainalysis or Elliptic to map flows. Even without payment, the address itself could connect to prior activity or wallets, providing leads if subpoenaed.

Former FBI cybersecurity experts have echoed similar points in broader commentary on the case. One noted Bitcoin’s traceability as “unusual” for ransom demands, suggesting it could expedite identification rather than hinder it. A former CIA agent emphasized that “human error” — such as reusing addresses, poor opsec in email metadata, or failing to use advanced privacy tools — often cracks such cases.

The Guthrie family has responded with public appeals. In Instagram videos, Savannah Guthrie and siblings expressed desperation: “We are at an hour of desperation… we need your help,” Savannah said in one posted near the Monday deadline. They affirmed willingness to pay — “We will pay” — but stressed the need for undeniable proof Nancy remains alive, citing her heart medication requirements and the risks of prolonged absence.

Authorities have not confirmed the notes’ legitimacy or any ongoing negotiation. The FBI’s Phoenix division stated it was “not aware of any continued communication between the Guthrie family and suspected kidnappers.” A $50,000 reward persists for tips leading to recovery or arrests, and President Donald Trump received briefings on the matter.

Searches have included repeated processing of Nancy’s home, activity at Annie Guthrie’s residence (where officers removed brown evidence bags during a late-night consented search), and reviews of neighborhood surveillance. No suspects or vehicles have been publicly named.

The crypto angle adds a modern layer to an already perplexing mystery. While some experts, like former FBI agent Tracy Walder, noted the demand reflects knowledge of cryptocurrency’s perceived advantages — buying time due to traceability challenges — others argue the public blockchain makes it riskier than cash drops or other methods used in traditional kidnappings.

As the case stretches into its second week, the expired deadlines and lack of proof heighten urgency. Nancy’s age and health make every day critical. Investigators continue digital forensics on emails, blockchain monitoring if applicable, and canvassing leads.

Whether the Bitcoin address proves a breakthrough — enabling tracing if funds ever move — or remains a dead end depends on verification and follow-through. For now, it represents one of the few tangible elements in a saga dominated by speculation, hoaxes, and family anguish.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI urge tips via 1-800-CALL-FBI or local lines, with anonymity assured. Until Nancy Guthrie is located or the sender conclusively identified, the nation watches for the next development in what has become a high-stakes blend of celebrity, crime, and cutting-edge finance.