Crypto Trader Arrested for Torturing Italian Tourist in NYC for Bitcoin Theft
Manhattan, NY – A 37-year-old man has been arrested following accusations of kidnapping and torturing a 28-year-old Italian tourist in a home in Manhattan, allegedly in an attempt to steal the victim’s bitcoin. According to law enforcement sources and a criminal complaint, John Woeltz was taken into custody on May 24 after the victim managed to escape his captors and seek help.
Details of the Allegations
Woeltz is accused of holding the Italian man captive for an extended period, reportedly for 17 days, during which he was subjected to horrific abuse. The kidnapping allegedly began on May 6 when the victim was lured to Woeltz’s rental property in the Nolita neighborhood of Manhattan. Authorities report that Woeltz, along with an unidentified accomplice, seized the victim’s electronics and passport before subjecting him to ongoing torture.
The complaint reveals disturbing details, including instances where the victim was beaten, shocked with electric wires, and struck in the head with a firearm. It is alleged that the attackers repeatedly threatened the victim’s life, attempting to coerce him into divulging the password to his bitcoin account.
Law enforcement sources noted that the pair even dangled the victim over a staircase and threatened to kill him if he did not comply. Additionally, they reportedly tied his wrists to restrict movement, among other forms of severe abuse. At one point, they placed an Apple AirTag around his neck to track him.
The Victim’s Escape
The ordeal came to an end when the victim managed to break free and reached out for assistance. He encountered a traffic agent on May 24, who promptly alerted the police. Upon their arrival, the victim was discovered with various injuries, including cuts, bruises, and visible signs of being bound, prompting his immediate transport to a local hospital where he was reported to be in stable condition.
Arrest and Charges
Following the rescue, Woeltz was arrested and later arraigned on multiple charges, including second-degree assault, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm. He is currently being held without bail, with the next court appearance scheduled for Wednesday.
Authorities balance the complexity of the relationships involved, revealing that Woeltz and the victim, who is reportedly worth around $30 million, had previously been in business together for several years. Investigative sources indicate that Woeltz, a well-known figure in cryptocurrency trading from Kentucky, is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $100 million.
Investigation Developments
A search of Woeltz’s rental home uncovered significant evidence corroborating the victim’s allegations, including a firearm believed to be used in the assaults and Polaroid photographs documenting the torture. Witness accounts described a chaotic scene during Woeltz’s arrest, capturing the attention of local residents and leading to shockwaves in the community.
Jennifer Crawford, a neighbor, witnessed the police action and expressed her disbelief at the gravity of the situation, noting that such extreme behavior was unexpected in a neighborhood like theirs. “It’s just beyond what you can even describe or imagine,” she stated.
As the investigation continues, authorities are still in pursuit of the unidentified accomplice implicated in the crimes. The chilling circumstances surrounding this case emphasize the darker underbelly of the cryptocurrency world and the potential for extreme criminal behavior intensifying with the allure of digital wealth.
The case is ongoing and highlights the risks associated with the cryptocurrency market, as law enforcement ramps up its efforts to combat criminal activities intertwined with digital currencies.