Suspect in NYC Crypto Kidnapping and Torture Case Allegedly Involved Assistant, Prosecutors Say
By Aaron Katersky | July 24, 2025, 3:41 PM
In a chilling development in the ongoing case involving the kidnapping and torture of an Italian cryptocurrency holder in New York City, prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office revealed that one of the suspects, John Woeltz, allegedly involved an assistant in monitoring and controlling the victim.
Allegations of Assistant’s Involvement
According to the DA’s office, Woeltz repeatedly messaged an assistant instructing them to keep a watchful eye on the victim’s activities, especially when he used his phone. Prosecutors further stated that when concerns arose among assistants about the victim possibly escaping through an open door, another assistant reassured, “Don’t worry I’m watching him.”
The victim, an Italian man whose identity has been withheld in the indictment, was held against his will for several weeks in a lavish SoHo townhouse owned by Woeltz. Authorities allege he was subjected to torture — all apparently in an attempt to retrieve his Bitcoin password.
Bail Set Despite Prosecutors’ Objection
Woeltz and fellow suspect William Duplessie were granted bail set at $1 million each by Judge Gregory Carro, a decision made despite objections from the prosecution. Both men have been in custody since their arrests on May 23, following the victim’s escape and subsequent contact with a traffic enforcement officer.
Disturbing Details of the Case
Prosecutors described graphic messages between Woeltz and Duplessie revealing the harrowing conditions endured by the victim. One message indicated that the suspects felt compelled to continue using drugs because they forced the victim to do so. Other communications spoke chillingly of the victim’s despair, noting he appeared “broken, sobbing, with no more life in his eyes.”
Physical evidence seized from the townhouse appeared to bolster the prosecution’s allegations. Investigators found a loaded firearm, a chainsaw, a cattle prod, hacksaws, buckets, tarps, and goggles. Prosecutors claimed these items were threats used to intimidate the victim, including plans to use them in disposing of his body. Disturbingly, there are also accusations that the suspects poured tequila on the victim and set him on fire.
Coercion Tactics and Psychological Abuse
Prosecutors say Woeltz and Duplessie lured the victim to New York by threatening harm to his family in Italy. They further allegedly told the victim they were connected to government agencies and warned him that failure to cooperate would result in him being labeled a terrorist.
The victim reportedly arrived in New York on May 6 and was held in the eight-bedroom townhouse thereafter. After enduring more than two weeks of captivity and torture, he escaped on May 23. —
Defense Response and Ongoing Proceedings
Both Woeltz and Duplessie have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including kidnapping, assault, and coercion. During pretrial hearings, their defense attorneys argued that video footage shows the victim “having the time of his life,” disputing claims he was held against his will or tortured.
Prosecutor Sarah Kahn countered this defense, noting that victims of abuse often do not behave in stereotypical ways, emphasizing the complexities of abuse dynamics.
Background and Prior Investigations
Prosecutors revealed prior law enforcement conversations suggesting that Woeltz and Duplessie may have subjected other individuals to similar abuses. A search of a property linked to Woeltz in Kentucky uncovered writings in which he contemplated using force to seize cryptocurrency assets. Woeltz has previously faced allegations of holding a person for crypto ransom in Kentucky, while Duplessie has been investigated for domestic violence in Switzerland.
Conditions of Bail
As part of their bail conditions, both men must surrender their passports, submit to electronic monitoring, and remain confined to their homes.
This case has drawn significant public attention due to its unprecedented combination of cryptocurrency crime and extreme violence. Authorities continue to build their case as preparations advance for trial.
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