Suspect in NYC Crypto Kidnapping and Torture Case Allegedly Involved Assistant, DA Reveals
July 24, 2025 – New York City — Prosecutors allege that John Woeltz, one of two men charged with the kidnapping and torture of an Italian cryptocurrency holder in a luxury Manhattan townhouse, involved an assistant in monitoring the victim, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.
Assistant Directed to Keep Watch on Victim
Court documents reveal that Woeltz repeatedly messaged an assistant, instructing them to keep a close watch on the alleged victim, particularly monitoring his phone usage. When concerns were raised by the assistant that the victim might have escaped through an open door, a second assistant assured them: “Don’t worry I’m watching him,” prosecutors said during a Thursday briefing.
The victim, identified in court filings only as an Italian man, was allegedly held against his will inside Woeltz’s upscale SoHo residence. The case has drawn significant attention due to the alleged victim’s status as a cryptocurrency holder and the brutal nature of the crimes committed.
Bail Set Amidst Ongoing Evidence Review
Both suspects, John Woeltz and co-defendant William Duplessie, were granted bail set at $1 million each by Judge Gregory Carro this week. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office had opposed the bail decision, citing the severity of the charges.
Since their arrest on May 23, both men had remained in custody. They pleaded not guilty last month to multiple charges, including kidnapping, assault, and coercion. Bail conditions require Woeltz and Duplessie to surrender their passports, wear electronic monitors, and remain confined to their homes.
Brutal Torture Allegations and Physical Evidence
Prosecutors detailed harrowing messages between the suspects, including references to forcing the victim to use drugs alongside them. One message described the victim as “broken” and “sobbing,” with “no more life in his eyes.”
Investigators recovered a wealth of physical evidence from the townhouse that corroborates the abuse allegations. Items seized include a loaded firearm, a chainsaw, a cattle prod, hacksaws, buckets, tarps, and goggles. Authorities say these tools were reportedly used or threatened to be used in the torture. Among disturbing claims, the suspects allegedly poured tequila on the victim and set him on fire.
Threats and Coercion Over Cryptocurrency Password
According to the complaint, Woeltz and Duplessie lured the victim to New York by threatening harm to his family. They purportedly claimed ties to the government and warned that non-cooperation would result in the victim being labeled a terrorist. The alleged motive behind the kidnapping was to extract the victim’s Bitcoin password.
The victim reportedly arrived in New York on May 6 and was subsequently held captive for over two weeks. He escaped on May 23 by fleeing the townhouse and seeking help from a traffic enforcement officer, which led to the suspects’ arrests.
Defense Disputes Torture Allegations
During the arraignment, defense attorneys argued that video evidence showed the alleged victim “having the time of his life,” contesting the prosecution’s torture claims. Prosecutor Sarah Kahn countered by noting that victims of abuse may not always behave as expected.
Kahn also revealed ongoing discussions with other law enforcement agencies indicating that Woeltz and Duplessie may have tortured others in the past.
Past Investigations and Connections
Woeltz, known as the “crypto king of Kentucky,” was the subject of a law enforcement search in Kentucky, where writings were discovered suggesting plans to hold people captive to steal cryptocurrency. Duplessie was previously investigated for domestic violence in Switzerland. Woeltz also faces accusations of holding another individual for crypto ransom in Kentucky.
Case Continues to Develop
As the investigation proceeds, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office continues to gather evidence to build its case against Woeltz and Duplessie. Both defendants remain out on bail but under strict monitoring.
The disturbing case shines a spotlight on the potential dangers surrounding high-stakes cryptocurrency transactions and the lengths some individuals may go to for digital wealth.
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