Third Individual Arrested in NYC Crypto Torture and Kidnapping Case
New York City, NY – May 27, 2025 – A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the disturbing kidnapping and torture of an Italian tourist in New York City. Thirty-three-year-old William Duplessie surrendered to the New York Police Department (NYPD) and now faces charges of kidnapping and false imprisonment, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Incident Overview
The case began when Michael Valentino Teofrasto, a 28-year-old tourist from Italy, was kidnapped while visiting Manhattan. He was reportedly held captive for weeks in a luxury townhome in the SoHo neighborhood, where he endured physical abuse, including being beaten and subjected to electric shocks from a Taser. As part of the violent extortion attempts, the suspects sought access to Teofrasto’s cryptocurrency holdings by attempting to extract his private keys.
Teofrasto managed to escape from his captors, flagging down a nearby police officer to report the ordeal. His harrowing experience was crucial in leading authorities to take action against the individuals involved.
Arrests and Charges
Following Teofrasto’s report, the police swiftly arrested John Woeltz, a crypto investor with ties to Duplessie, who was charged with kidnapping for ransom and other felony counts related to the incident. Woeltz is currently held in custody without bail and is scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on May 28. Duplessie’s surrender marked a significant step in the ongoing investigation. It was reported that he negotiated his handover to authorities over several days, underscoring the seriousness of the charges against him and his associates.
A Rising Trend in Violent Crypto Crimes
This incident is part of a growing trend of violent crimes targeting cryptocurrency enthusiasts and industry professionals, often referred to as "wrench attacks." With the increasing popularity and value of crypto investments, criminals have turned their focus to investors for kidnapping and ransom schemes.
Authorities have warned that the rise in such crimes has led investors and crypto industry executives to implement heightened security measures in an effort to protect themselves and their assets.
Conclusion
As law enforcement continues to investigate this disturbing case, the broader implications of the increasing dangers faced by those involved in cryptocurrency are being widely discussed. The NYPD and other law enforcement agencies are set to respond actively to these incidents in hopes of deterring future crimes and safeguarding the community.
The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the suspects face the legal consequences of their actions. The case serves as a reminder of the potential perils of the cryptocurrency market and highlights the importance of personal security in this evolving financial landscape.
Share this article:
