Scheme to Take Cryptocurrency from Torture Victim Spanned Months, Prosecutors Allege
By Maia Coleman and Chelsia Rose Marcius
June 11, 2025
In a shocking case that has drawn international attention, prosecutors have revealed new details about a scheme involving two cryptocurrency investors who systematically pressured a longtime friend to surrender access to his substantial digital assets. William Duplessie and John Woeltz are accused of orchestrating a months-long effort to extract millions of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency from the victim, 37-year-old Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan.
The Allegations
According to the indictment unsealed on Wednesday, which includes 12 counts of serious criminal charges, the scheme began with initial meetings in which Duplessie and Woeltz coerced Carturan into surrendering various electronic devices and the critical passkey to his cryptocurrency account. Prosecutors stated that during their first encounter outside of Manhattan, they successfully convinced Carturan to hand over some of his assets, setting the stage for further manipulation.
Months later, Duplessie and Woeltz invited Carturan to New York City for a follow-up meeting, promising to return his funds. Instead, prosecutors alleged that this meeting devolved into further coercion wherein the two investors escalated their demands for Carturan’s devices. Feeling increasingly threatened, Carturan complied with their requests.
The situation culminated in a third meeting on May 6, where, according to the allegations, Duplessie and Woeltz committed extreme acts of violence against Carturan, which included electrocution, beating with a firearm, and even setting him on fire. This brutal treatment reportedly lasted for three weeks inside a luxury townhouse in Manhattan.
Legal Proceedings
The details of the indictment were revealed at a court hearing on Wednesday, where the two men were arraigned on charges of first-degree kidnapping and assault, among other accusations. They had originally been charged in a lower court last month, but the extent of the charges remained undisclosed until this latest hearing.
Both Duplessie and Woeltz face serious legal repercussions as the case unfolds, with prosecutors emphasizing the premeditated and heinous nature of the crimes. The indictment is a pivotal step in the legal proceedings, laying bare the extent of the accusations and providing a framework for the upcoming trial.
The Broader Context
This disturbing incident highlights the often precarious intersection of crime and emerging technologies, particularly in the realm of cryptocurrency. As digital currencies become increasingly mainstream, the potential for criminal exploitation also rises, attracting the attention of law enforcement agencies.
Authorities are urging potential victims of similar schemes to come forward and report any instances of coercion or assault involving cryptocurrency. The ongoing investigations serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can accompany significant financial assets in a largely unregulated digital environment.
As the legal process continues, both Duplessie and Woeltz remain in custody awaiting trial, with their fates now resting in the hands of the justice system. The case continues to develop, sparking conversations around safety, trust, and regulation within the cryptocurrency domain.
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