Georgia Man Indicted In Danbury Kidnapping Linked To Crypto Theft

DANBURY, CT — A Georgia man has been indicted on a federal charge for his alleged role in a kidnapping in Danbury last year that authorities say is linked to a cryptocurrency theft investigation.

James Schwab, 22, of Peachtree Corners, GA, was arrested Jan. 29 at Los Angeles International Airport after returning from a trip to Bali, federal officials said Wednesday. A federal grand jury in New Haven indicted Schwab on Feb. 25 on one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, which carries a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.

Authorities allege that Schwab was involved in the Aug. 25, 2024, carjacking of a Lamborghini Urus in Danbury, during which two occupants were abducted. According to court documents, the victims are the parents of a person suspected of participating in the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency.

Schwab is accused of communicating with several of the suspects who carried out the kidnapping, funding aspects of the crime, and helping coordinate transportation and lodging. Officials also said Schwab had a prior altercation with the victims’ son at a nightclub in Miami in July 2024.

Schwab pleaded not guilty during a court appearance in Bridgeport Superior Court on March 12 and has been detained since his arrest.

Six suspects were initially apprehended in connection with the carjacking and kidnapping. Five have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force and the Danbury Police Department, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police and several local agencies.

Acting U.S. Attorney Marc H. Silverman emphasized that the charges against Schwab are allegations and that he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.