Nancy Guthrie kidnapping ransom: Can bitcoin be traced? What we know about the $6 million demand

Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing since Jan 31. Family got ransom notes, agreed to $6M Bitcoin by Monday, likely hoping the transfer helps trace suspects.

Published on: Feb 10, 2026 1:13 AM IST

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Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since Saturday, January 31. As the search continues for the 84-year-old, the family has received two alleged ransom notes. They have also agreed to one demanding $6 million in a Bitcoin transfer.

Savannah Guthrie with her mother, Nancy Guthrie. (X/@JamesHartline)

Notably, the deadline for the ransom note expires on Monday at 5 p.m. While the family's plea to pay the amount is seen by many as an act of desperation, there is, in fact, a well-thought-out strategy behind it, according to experts.

Recently, a criminal defense attorney wrote on Fox News that the Bitcoin transfer to the account linked to the ransom demand could provide investigators with a crucial lead to the suspect.

Nancy Guthrie Ransom: Ex-FBI Agent Provides Clue

Josh Ritter, a criminal defense attorney, said on Fox & Friends that the number linked to the Bitcoin account for the ransom could lead investigators to the kidnappers. Ritter argued that Bitcoin are not as secure as many people may think, and information on the account holders could be tracked down easily.

“One interesting thing is that these wallets have a number, it's like an account number, and they can, they keep this information, if that account number has ever been used for any prior illegal activity and they can monitor that account number,” he said.

Also read: Nancy Guthrie case: Is son-in-law Tommaso Cioni the prime suspect? What we know

Ritter argued that if the transfer is made, at some point the people behind the account will convert it into real money to use it, and that moment could potentially lead the FBI to them.

Bitcoin Account Remains Empty

TMZ reports that the Bitcoin account that was provided for the transfer of the ransom in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case remains unfunded, with just a few hours left before the 5 p.m. deadline.

Per the outlet, the account, which is publicly viewable, has a balance of zero and shows no history of transactions, as of 2:40 p.m. ET.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamik Banerjee
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

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