Due to search Nancy Guthrie Continuing into the second week, it was reported that her kidnappers were seeking a $6 million ransom in Bitcoin, illustrating how cryptocurrencies are reshaping the extortion business.

Guthrie, 84, is the mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie kidnapped from her home Arizonainvestigators later confirmed only limited details about the ransom demand.

Bitcoin is a digital currency that operates without a central authority such as a bank or government, allowing people to send money directly to each other over a computer network.

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NBC provided an undated photo of Nancy Guthrie and Savannah Guthrie in response to the disappearance of the “Today” host’s 84-year-old mother. (Courtesy of NBC)

“Criminals are increasingly demanding cryptocurrency in ransom and extortion cases because it’s fast, global, and doesn’t rely on traditional banking tracks that can delay or block payments,” explained Ari Redbord, global policy director at blockchain intelligence and crypto forensics firm TRM Labs.

“Cases such as the alleged cryptocurrency ransom demand in Nancy Guthrie’s case highlight how this dynamic plays out in the real world,” added Redbold, a former federal prosecutor and senior U.S. Treasury Department official.

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FBI agents search near Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson on Friday, February 6, 2026. (Kate Ramirez, Fox News Digital)

It’s unclear whether a $6 million payment would secure the 84-year-old’s release. What’s more, despite repeated public petition The Guthrie family has provided no proof of her life or direct contact with her.

Still, Redbold warned that the same technology that makes cryptocurrencies attractive to criminals could also expose them.

“The moment a wallet address appears, investigators have actionable information. Funds can be traced in real time, connections identified and networks mapped in a way that would not be possible with large cash or informal value transfer systems,” Redbold said.

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Bitcoin has become a regular tool for extortion—it moves quickly, has a global reach, and is difficult to recover once a payment is made. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto/Getty Images)

He added that cryptocurrencies fundamentally change the economics of ransom and extortion — something that criminals often fail to fully realize.

He added: “Cryptocurrency changes the economics and incentives behind ransom and extortion by increasing speed and scope, but it also gives law enforcement and national security teams unprecedented visibility.”

this FBI A reward of up to $50,000 is being offered for information leading to the location of Guthrie or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. If you have any information about this case, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online.