Swiss Crypto Trader Enjoys Memorial Day Weekend Before Surrendering in SoHo Torture Case
By Joe Marino and Jorge Fitz-Gibbon
Published May 26, 2025
A Swiss cryptocurrency trader, who has emerged as a key figure in a disturbing case of torture involving an Italian Bitcoin millionaire, was reportedly enjoying a luxurious Memorial Day weekend in the Hamptons before arranging to surrender to authorities. Sources revealed that the trader was identified as a person of interest in the shocking events that transpired in SoHo, where the victim, Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, was allegedly held captive and subjected to extreme violence.
The Case Unfolds
Carturan, a 30-year-old Italian national with an estimated wealth of $30 million, was reportedly lured to a townhouse on Prince Street in Manhattan under false pretenses. Once inside, he was brutally tortured by his captors, who sought to extract his Bitcoin password. Authorities described scenes of horror, stating that Carturan was bound to a chair, tasered, urinated on, pistol-whipped, and even had his arms and legs mutilated with a chainsaw. The ordeal continued for several days until Carturan managed to escape on May 25, 2025, by taking advantage of a distraction among his captors.
Arrests and Investigation
The investigation took a turn when Kentucky resident John Woeltz, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, was arrested this past Friday. Woeltz, described as a "crypto king," faces charges of kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and weapons possession, with a bail denied during his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court. He is known to possess significant wealth, including assets such as a private jet and helicopter.
Following Woeltz’s arrest, law enforcement began a manhunt for a third suspect— the Swiss trader—who sources say has been in contact with police and has promised to surrender soon. Reports indicate that he chose to spend his weekend in the Hamptons before taking any further legal steps.
Adding complexity to the case, Woeltz’s assistant, Beatrice Folchi, was also arrested but later released after the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office declined to pursue charges against her pending further investigation.
Victim’s Condition
In the aftermath of his escape, Carturan was taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment of his injuries. The severity of his torture has shocked many, highlighting the potential dangers and extreme criminal behavior that can arise in the high-stakes world of cryptocurrency.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues and more details unfold surrounding this brutal case, both law enforcement and the public await further developments, particularly regarding the Swiss trader’s surrender and the judicial process for those already in custody. The New York legal community is closely monitoring the case, which raises critical questions about safety and legality within the burgeoning cryptocurrency industry.
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