Bitcoin Account Tied to Nancy Guthrie Ransom Note Shows Activity

Reports indicate a small transaction was detected, far less than the $6 million demanded by the alleged kidnapper.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

TMZ and other media outlets have reported that a Bitcoin account linked to the ransom note sent regarding the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, has shown recent activity. However, the amount transferred was only a few hundred dollars, far less than the $6 million the kidnapper had demanded to be delivered by February 9th. Authorities have also detained and released a man in connection with the case and searched a property in Rio Rico, Arizona.

Why it matters

The activity in the Bitcoin account provides a potential lead for investigators as they continue to search for Nancy Guthrie and the person or persons responsible for her alleged kidnapping. The small amount transferred, however, suggests the kidnapper may have abandoned the ransom demand, raising new questions about the status of the case.

The details

According to reports, TMZ was the first to notice activity in the Bitcoin account referenced in the ransom note, which had not seen any transactions since the kidnapping drama unfolded. People magazine later reported the amount was just "hundreds of dollars," while KGUN in Tucson noted it was "less than $300" - a far cry from the $6 million the kidnapper had demanded be delivered by February 9th. Authorities have also detained and released a man in connection with the case and searched a property in Rio Rico, Arizona, about 60 miles from Nancy Guthrie's Tucson-area home.

  • The ransom note demanded $6 million be delivered by February 9th.
  • The Bitcoin account saw its first activity since the kidnapping on February 12th.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, who was allegedly kidnapped with a ransom demand of $6 million.

Savannah Guthrie

The "Today" show host whose mother, Nancy Guthrie, was allegedly kidnapped.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The small amount transferred to the Bitcoin account linked to the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case raises new questions about the status of the investigation and the kidnapper's motives. Authorities will likely continue to closely monitor the account and pursue other leads in their efforts to locate Nancy Guthrie and bring those responsible to justice.