Italians in New York Brutally Captured and Tormented -for Access to their Cryptocurrency Password - Abducted Italian endures torture in New York, seeking Bitcoin wallet access
A 28-year-old Italian man was allegedly kidnapped, tortured, and held captive for three weeks in New York City, in what appears to be an attempt to extort the password to his Bitcoin accounts, worth millions of dollars.
The main suspect, a 37-year-old cryptocurrency investor identified as John Woeltz, and an alleged accomplice, William Duplessie, were taken into custody on Friday, following the man's escape from a luxury townhouse in the upscale New York neighborhood of Nolita and his subsequent alert to a traffic officer. Authorities are still searching for a third person believed to be involved.
The District Attorney has charged Woeltz and Duplessie with kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and illegal possession of a firearm, according to court records.
The Italian man traveled to New York in early May and willingly met with the suspects, whom he had previously known through business dealings. In a luxurious SoHo apartment, they reportedly took his electronic devices, passport, and demanded access to his Bitcoin wallet.
When he refused, the victim was subjected to extensive physical and psychological abuse, including beatings, electric shocks, and forced drug use. The perpetrators also threatened to kill his family members if he did not comply. The victim was reportedly taken to the top floor of the building and threatened with being thrown down if he didn't reveal his passwords.
Police arrested Woeltz shortly after the victim's escape on Friday, discovering a gun and photos depicting the alleged torture in the house. Two staff members were also reportedly present. Further details about the planning of the kidnapping and the suspects' backgrounds are expected to emerge in the coming days. The court date is set for May 28.
Background information suggests that the case is significant due to the severity of the alleged crimes and the high-value target of the Bitcoin wallet. Proceedings were temporarily halted due to a legal deadline tied to Woeltz's arrest, but are anticipated to resume if all deadlines are met. The District Attorney's office is handling the case, with prosecutors providing detailed accounts of the alleged torture and manipulative tactics employed by the suspects.
I'm not sure about the full extent of the technology used in this case, but it's clear that the kidnapper, John Woeltz, and his alleged accomplice, William Duplessie, are accused of using the general-news of digital currency, Bitcoin, as a motive for their crime-and-justice actions. The Italian victim was forced to reveal his Bitcoin passwords, which were worth millions, or face severe consequences.
