Crypto influencer Ben Armstrong, better known in the digital currency world as BitBoy Crypto, found himself in the center of controversy after he was arrested during a live broadcast on YouTube.
Armstrong, who had carved out a reputation as a reliable commentator in the volatile world of cryptocurrencies, was reportedly attempting to recover his allegedly stolen Lamborghini during the time of his arrest.
Prior to the livestream, Armstrong hinted at his intentions by posting that he would be "going live soon from a very special location."
He was apprehended outside the residence of Carlos Diaz, a former business associate. The incident was caught live on stream, leading to a flurry of speculation and concern among followers and industry insiders.
During the livestream, Armstrong made serious allegations against Diaz, claiming that Diaz had intentions to harm him and even suggesting ties between Diaz and the Houston mafia.
However, the livestream took a dramatic turn approximately 19 minutes in when local police arrived at the scene. After inquiring if Armstrong was armed, which he denied, the police instructed him to put down his phone. While the video feed was cut off, the audio continued, capturing the ensuing conversation between Armstrong and the officers. A report further adds to the controversy, claiming that Armstrong had a firearm on the back seat of his vehicle during the arrest.
Official records from the Gwinnett County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office confirm that a Benjamin Charles Armstrong was arrested on September 25th at 9:11 pm local time and remains in custody.
In the aftermath of the incident, Carlos Diaz confirmed Armstrong's unexpected visit to his residence. Meanwhile, the crypto community has been buzzing with reactions.
This incident comes on the heels of recent developments where the Hit Network, which oversees the "BitBoy Crypto" brand, severed its association with Armstrong. The separation was attributed to concerns related to Armstrong's alleged substance abuse and the financial implications it had on employees. Subsequent to this, there have been legal proceedings initiated and withdrawn by various parties involved in the dispute. Armstrong had also recently sought donations to fund his legal defenses, a move that drew criticism from several quarters of the crypto community.
As of now, the specifics of the charges against Armstrong remain undisclosed.
