Crypto Entrepreneur Arrested for Allegedly Torturing Tourist in NYC
May 24, 2025
A New York City-based cryptocurrency entrepreneur was arrested on Friday after a tourist from Italy reported that he had been held captive and tortured for more than two weeks in the suspect’s luxury apartment.
The alleged victim, a 28-year-old man who arrived in New York on May 6, told authorities that he had been invited to the home of the suspect, 37-year-old John Woeltz. Upon arrival, Woeltz reportedly confiscated the man’s passport and subjected him to brutal treatment. The victim managed to escape on Friday morning and sought help from a nearby traffic enforcement officer.
Following the escape, the victim was taken to the hospital for treatment. According to the police, Woeltz was arrested later that day and subsequently made his initial court appearance, where he was ordered to be held without bail. He faces charges of kidnapping, assault, and unlawful imprisonment, though he did not enter a plea during the proceedings.
The criminal complaint alleges that Woeltz, along with an unnamed accomplice who remains at large, engaged in severe physical abuse of the victim. The man was reportedly beaten, subjected to electric shocks, and hung off a ledge when he refused to reveal his bitcoin password, a detail that underscores the suspect’s apparent motive related to cryptocurrency access.
When police arrived at Woeltz’s SoHo apartment, they discovered alarming evidence of the alleged torture. Multiple Polaroid photographs were found depicting the victim bound and suffering, as well as various torture implements visible in the residence. A firearm was also recovered during the police investigation.
As the case draws attention, it raises concerns about the lengths individuals may go to in pursuit of cryptocurrency, a market already known for its volatility and potential criminal exploitation. Law enforcement continues to investigate the case, particularly regarding the unidentified accomplice.
This incident, while shocking, is a reminder of the potential dangers in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, highlighting not only its financial implications but also the darker side of human behavior associated with greed and desperation.
As the legal proceedings unfold, further updates are expected regarding Woeltz’s case and the ongoing search for his accomplice. The international implications of the alleged crime also call into question the safety of tourists in urban environments, particularly in major cities like New York.
For now, the suspect remains in custody, facing serious charges that could result in significant legal consequences pending the outcome of the judicial process.
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