TMZ boss says he was prepared to pay Nancy Guthrie ransom to help case — but FBI ‘ghosted’ him

In a 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 revelation, TMZ founder Harvey Levin disclosed that he was ready to pay a ransom to a mysterious informant who claimed to have vital information regarding the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie. However, Levin expressed frustration when the FBI seemingly ignored his attempts to collaborate on the case.

In a recent interview, Levin shared that the same individual had been in contact with TMZ intermittently since Guthrie’s abduction on January 31. This informant reportedly demanded one bitcoin—valued at approximately $60,000—in exchange for information that could lead to the suspects involved in the case. Levin recounted his conversation with the FBI, stating, “I just have this sense this guy might be real,” and proposed a documentary that would track the bitcoin payment to see where it leads.

Despite Levin’s eagerness to assist, he felt let down by the FBI’s lack of communication. “I had made six calls and I felt they were ghosting us,” he revealed. Eventually, the agency did respond, but their message was unexpected. Levin claimed that the FBI asked TMZ to refrain from pursuing the documentary, insisting they were making progress in identifying the informant.

This response left Levin questioning the credibility of the informant. “If they think this guy is just a jerk trying to scam money, why are they spending all this time trying to figure out who this guy is?” he pondered during a separate discussion with CNN’s Michael Smerconish. “On the other hand, if he’s legit, why didn’t they pay the one Bitcoin he’s asking?”

The informant has made alarming claims about possessing a video that allegedly shows the main suspect with Guthrie on the day of her disappearance. Levin shared that the informant stated he has the video stored on a phone, which he claims is safely turned off. In exchange for the bitcoin, he promised to reveal the phone’s location and the identities of the alleged kidnappers.

TMZ has taken steps to verify the informant’s claims by requesting a screenshot of Guthrie to confirm his assertions and has notified the FBI of the ongoing communications. Both the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the investigation, declined to comment on the matter.

Nancy Guthrie, who is the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for nearly five months, and the investigation has revealed a series of unsettling ransom notes sent to her family and news outlets. One note claimed she was safe, while another suggested a far more tragic fate, stating she had died and been buried in nature.

Savannah Guthrie recently addressed the situation on air, visibly emotional as she pleaded for help in finding her mother. “We are in agony and we cannot be at peace,” she said, urging the public for assistance. “This is the moment to tell you we need your help, we’re begging for your help.”

As the investigation continues, the mystery surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance deepens. What will the next developments reveal in this heart-wrenching case?