Crypto Expert: Bitcoin Exchange Gave Authorities 'Control' Over Nancy Guthrie's Kidnapper

Lionsgate Network CEO Bezalel Eithan Raviv says the small $150 transfer to the alleged ransom wallet triggered blockchain monitoring tools.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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According to a cryptocurrency expert, the authorities now have the upper hand against Nancy Guthrie's purported kidnapper after a small $150 deposit was made into a Bitcoin wallet related to the ransom note. Bezalel Eithan Raviv, the CEO of Lionsgate Network, explained that this 'test' transfer can trigger blockchain monitoring tools, allowing investigators to track the wallet's activity and potentially identify the suspect.

Why it matters

The case highlights the challenges criminals face when using cryptocurrency for ransom demands, as Bitcoin is not as anonymous as commonly believed. Raviv's insights suggest the authorities may have gained a tactical advantage in their investigation of Guthrie's disappearance.

The details

Raviv noted that the moment funds move, they leave a 'permanent digital footprint' that can provide investigators with valuable intelligence, especially if the wallet interacts with exchanges or custodial services that require identity verification. He explained that his firm uses a 'cow's bell' approach, where every movement of the funds can trigger alerts, allowing them to track the wallet's activity.

  • On January 31, Nancy Guthrie was last seen alive at her Tucson-area home.
  • On February 1, Guthrie was reported missing after the Pima County Sheriff's Department determined she was dragged from her home against her will.
  • On February 5 and February 13, the alleged kidnapper set deadlines for a $6 million Bitcoin ransom payment in exchange for Guthrie's release.
  • On February 11, a $150 deposit was made into the Bitcoin wallet associated with the ransom note.

The players

Bezalel Eithan Raviv

The CEO and founder of Lionsgate Network, a cryptocurrency recovery service with expertise in Blockchain forensics.

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who was reported missing from her Tucson-area home on February 1 after being dragged from her home against her will.

Savannah Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie's daughter, who stated that the family was willing to pay the $6 million Bitcoin ransom demand if the alleged kidnapper provided proof of life.

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What they’re saying

“If the reported $150 transaction to the alleged ransom Bitcoin wallet is accurate, it aligns with a known investigative tactic. A small 'test' transfer can sometimes be used to confirm that the wallet is active and to trigger blockchain monitoring tools.”

— Bezalel Eithan Raviv, CEO, Lionsgate Network (Page Six)

“The moment funds move, they leave a permanent digital footprint. That activity can provide investigators with valuable intelligence, especially if the wallet interacts with exchanges or custodial services where identity verification is required.”

— Bezalel Eithan Raviv, CEO, Lionsgate Network (Page Six)

What’s next

Authorities continue to investigate the case and monitor the Bitcoin wallet associated with the ransom demand. The FBI has released a statement that they are conducting an extensive search in the Catalina Foothills area related to the Nancy Guthrie investigation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges criminals face when using cryptocurrency for ransom demands, as Bitcoin transactions leave a permanent digital trail that can be tracked by law enforcement and cryptocurrency experts. The authorities may have gained a tactical advantage in their investigation of Guthrie's disappearance by monitoring the Bitcoin wallet associated with the ransom note.