Second Suspect Arrested in Alleged NYC Bitcoin Torture Scheme
Manhattan, NY – A second suspect has been apprehended in connection with the alleged kidnapping and torture of an Italian tourist, which authorities say was aimed at stealing the victim’s Bitcoin. William Duplessie, 32, surrendered to law enforcement on Tuesday following the arrest of his accomplice, John Woeltz, 37, who was taken into custody last week.
Both individuals face multiple charges including kidnapping with intent to collect ransom, assault, and unlawful imprisonment, among others. The disturbing allegations surfaced after the victim managed to escape from a luxurious Manhattan residence in SoHo, where he claims he was held captive for nearly three weeks.
Victim’s Horrifying Experience
The unnamed victim reported that upon his arrival in New York from Italy in early May, he was forcibly taken to Woeltz’s rented home, where he was reportedly stripped of his passport and threatened at gunpoint. In a shocking account of his ordeal, the victim stated that he was hung off a roof ledge, electrocuted with wires, and confronted with a chainsaw as his captors demanded access to his Bitcoin wallet.
During his captivity, the victim was also allegedly coerced into using crack cocaine and was physically assaulted. His escape on Friday morning came after he agreed to divulge his Bitcoin password. As Woeltz and Duplessie went to retrieve his laptop, the victim took the opportunity to flee from the eight-bedroom townhouse, emerging bloodied and barefoot.
Law Enforcement’s Findings
Following the victim’s escape, law enforcement officials conducted a search of the premises, reportedly discovering several disturbing Polaroid photos depicting the victim bound and tortured, along with an assortment of firearms and drugs. The high-end SoHo property, where the alleged torture occurred, is said to have been leased by Woeltz for between $30,000 and $40,000 per month.
Court Proceedings
At a court appearance on Tuesday, Duplessie’s attorney maintained that his client’s involvement in the crime is "hotly disputed." The defense sought to have Duplessie released on a $1 million bail, allowing him to reside with his father in Florida while awaiting trial; however, the judge denied this request, ordering his detention instead. Woeltz remains in custody as well, with prosecutors arguing he possesses the means to flee, including access to a private jet and helicopter.
Broader Context of Cryptocurrency Crimes
The arrest of Duplessie and Woeltz is part of a broader trend highlighted by David Seltzer, a criminal defense attorney specializing in cyber-crime, who noted the increasing frequency of kidnappings aimed at crypto investors. “People think it’s an easy way to get cash,” he explained, drawing comparisons between traditional bank robberies and the new age of cryptocurrency-targeted abductions.
In a related incident in France, authorities arrested over 20 individuals in connection with kidnapping plots targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs, further underscoring the growing concern over such crimes in the digital currency arena.
As the investigation continues, the case raises significant alarm about the potential dangers associated with cryptocurrency ownership, both at home and abroad.
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