Suspect in NYC Crypto Kidnapping and Torture Case Allegedly Involved His Assistant, Prosecutors Say
By Aaron Katersky, ABC News, July 24, 2025
Manhattan District Attorney’s office prosecutors have revealed new details in a harrowing case involving the kidnapping and torture of an Italian cryptocurrency holder inside a luxury New York City townhouse. According to court filings, one of the suspects, John Woeltz, repeatedly instructed an assistant to monitor the alleged victim’s movements, including tracking his phone use.
Bail Set Despite DA’s Objection
Both John Woeltz and co-defendant William Duplessie are currently facing multiple charges related to the case, including kidnapping, assault, and coercion. This week, a Manhattan judge set their bail at $1 million each, a ruling made despite objections from the District Attorney’s office. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Assistant Kept Constant Watch
Prosecutors disclosed that Woeltz communicated with an assistant, urging them to keep constant surveillance on the alleged victim. When the assistant expressed concern that the victim might have escaped through an open door, a second assistant reassured, “Don’t worry I’m watching him,” the prosecutors said.
Additional messages obtained by authorities suggest the suspects forced the victim to take drugs, with texts stating that Woeltz and Duplessie had to consume drugs themselves to maintain control over the victim. Other messages described the victim as “broken," “sobbing,” and having “no more life in his eyes.”
Physical Evidence Supports Torture Allegations
In a search of the scene, law enforcement recovered disturbing physical evidence supporting accounts of torture. Authorities found a loaded firearm, chainsaw, cattle prod, hacksaws, buckets, tarps, and protective goggles. Prosecutors said the defendants threatened to use these items to dispose of the victim’s body. Other allegations include the suspects pouring tequila on the victim and setting him on fire.
Victim Lured to New York Under Threats
The prosecution alleges that Woeltz and Duplessie lured the Italian man—whose identity has not been publicly released—to New York City by threatening harm against his family. According to authorities, the defendants claimed ties to the government and warned that the victim would be branded a terrorist if he did not comply.
The victim arrived in New York on May 6 and was taken to Woeltz’s eight-bedroom SoHo townhouse, where he was held and tortured while being coerced into revealing his Bitcoin password, prosecutors said.
Escape and Arrest
After more than two weeks of captivity, the victim managed to escape on May 23 and sought help from a traffic enforcement officer. Woeltz and Duplessie were subsequently arrested by New York police.
Since their arrest, both men have remained in custody. During their arraignment last month, the defense argued against the allegations, pointing to video footage showing the victim “having the time of his life,” which they claim contradicts claims of torture.
Prosecutors Highlight Previous Allegations Against Defendants
Assistant District Attorney Sarah Kahn countered that victims of abuse often behave unpredictably and that additional law enforcement conversations revealed Woeltz and Duplessie may have a history of torturing individuals. Searches of a property linked to Woeltz in Kentucky—who has been dubbed the “crypto king of Kentucky”—turned up writings indicating an interest in holding people hostage to steal cryptocurrency.
Duplessie, meanwhile, was previously investigated in Switzerland for domestic violence. Authorities also noted past accusations against Woeltz for holding another individual captive in Kentucky over cryptocurrency disputes.
Conditions of Release
Both suspects have been ordered to surrender their passports, submit to electronic monitoring, and remain on home confinement as the case proceeds.
The investigation continues as prosecutors gather evidence and prepare for trial, while the victim recovers from the ordeal that has shocked the cryptocurrency and legal communities alike.
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