Alleged Kidnapping and Torture Linked to Cryptocurrency Dispute
A serious incident involving a cryptocurrency dispute has reportedly resulted in the kidnapping and brutal treatment of an Italian man in a luxurious New York City townhouse for an extended period. According to law enforcement, two individuals, John Woeltz, aged 37, and William Duplessie, aged 33, are facing multiple charges including kidnapping, assault, and coercion. NYPD Chief John Chell informed the media, “Based on our current understanding, this incident stemmed from a disagreement over cryptocurrency. The parties involved were acquainted, yet this was a kidnapping that lasted approximately 17 days, during which the victim endured severe torture.” He specified the nature of the torture, which included being forced to consume narcotics and subjected to electric shocks.
Victim Lured from Italy
The 28-year-old victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, reported to authorities that he traveled to New York from Italy on May 6 and went to Woeltz’s eight-bedroom home in SoHo. Assistant District Attorney Michael Mattson stated that Woeltz and Duplessie allegedly coaxed the victim to New York by threatening to harm his family. Upon his arrival, the victim was stripped of his belongings, including his electronics and passport, restrained, and subjected to physical abuse and electric shocks as outlined in a criminal complaint. It is alleged that Woeltz threatened the victim with death while dangling him from the staircase unless he revealed his Bitcoin password.
Details of the Alleged Abuse
The victim recounted that the suspects forced him to smoke crack cocaine by restraining him and using a pipe against his mouth. During the arraignment, prosecutor Sarah Kahn detailed disturbing accounts of the victim’s alleged mistreatment. She presented a photograph to the judge that purportedly showed the victim aflame, stating that the defendants would pour tequila on him, set him alight, and extinguish the flames by urinating on him. According to Kahn, the defendants used various instruments for torture, including cutting him with a small chainsaw. She also mentioned that discussions with other unnamed law enforcement agencies suggest that Woeltz and Duplessie may have a history of similar crimes.
Defense Claims and Rebuttal
During the hearing, the defense argued against the accusations, claiming to possess video evidence showing the victim appearing to enjoy himself and participating in activities inconsistent with the claims of torture. Defense attorney Sam Talkin, representing Duplessie, asserted, “The narrative being presented simply doesn’t add up.” In response, prosecutor Kahn emphasized that victims of abuse often do not exhibit expected behaviors.
Victim’s Escape
On May 23, the victim managed to escape from captivity, seeking assistance from a traffic enforcement officer. Authorities reported that the victim, believing he was about to be killed, deceived his captors into thinking he would provide them with his Bitcoin password stored on his laptop. When Woeltz left to retrieve the laptop, the victim took the opportunity to flee down the stairs. Upon investigation, detectives discovered items inside the townhouse, including a saw, crack cocaine, chicken wire, and disturbing photographs of the victim while being subjected to abuse. They also found a firearm on the premises and noted bloodstains in various locations indicative of the alleged torture.
Suspects Denied Bail
Woeltz, identified as a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency scene, was arrested on May 23. He remained silent as he was escorted by police from his residence. Duplessie voluntarily surrendered to the NYPD on May 27 and similarly refrained from commenting to media inquiries. Both individuals faced initial charges of kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and possession of a firearm, and were denied bail during their first court appearances. Prosecutors successfully argued that Woeltz should be held without bail, citing his potential flight risk due to his resources, including access to a private jet and helicopter. A judge rejected a request for Duplessie to be placed under home detention with his father in Florida on a $1 million bail, as his attorney claimed that the facts were heavily contested. Both defendants were subsequently indicted on numerous counts, including kidnapping and assault, and they pleaded not guilty during their arraignment. Judge Gregory Carro mandated that they remain in custody without bail until their next court appearance scheduled for July 15. Legal representatives for both men declined to comment when contacted by media outlets.
Additional Arrest in Connection with Case
On May 23, a 24-year-old woman was also apprehended for her involvement in the kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment. However, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has opted not to prosecute her at this time, and she is currently not in police custody. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated on May 27 that, as of now, the two men are the only suspects being investigated, saying, “At this moment, we are focusing on these two individuals, but there may be others involved.”
