A disturbing case of alleged kidnapping and torture in Manhattan has led to the arrest of a second suspect, revealing the darker side of crypto crime.
**Second Suspect Charged in Alleged Cryptocurrency Kidnapping Scheme**
**Second Suspect Charged in Alleged Cryptocurrency Kidnapping Scheme**
Authorities apprehend William Duplessie as investigations into a chilling NYC torture case unfold.
In a shocking turn of events, a second suspect has been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and torture of an Italian tourist over a three-week period in Manhattan, as part of an effort to extort cryptocurrency. William Duplessie, 32, voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement on Tuesday, following the arrest of his alleged accomplice, John Woeltz, 37, last week.
The victim, whose identity remains confidential, reported harrowing experiences of physical abuse, including being dangled from a ledge, electrocuted, and assaulted with a chainsaw while being coerced to disclose his Bitcoin wallet information. Both suspects face serious charges, including kidnapping with the intent to collect ransom, assault, and unlawful imprisonment.
The case took a dramatic turn when the victim managed to escape from Woeltz's extravagant SoHo residence. He explained that he had been held captive for 17 days beginning from May 6 and had his passport confiscated upon arrival. He was reportedly threatened with a firearm, physically assaulted, and manipulated into using drugs.
After creating an opportunity to break free on Friday morning, the victim darted from the eight-bedroom townhouse — bloodied and without shoes — once he had agreed to reveal his password. Upon reporting the situation to authorities, he was promptly hospitalized for his injuries. Police searches of the property subsequently uncovered disturbing evidence, including graphic photographs of the victim's torment, along with firearms and illicit substances.
This shocking case in New York is part of an alarming trend, with over 20 arrests made recently in France as authorities continue to investigate multiple kidnapping attempts targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families. David Seltzer, a criminal defense attorney specializing in cyber-crime, remarked on the rising prevalence of such criminal tactics, suggesting that some criminals view it as an easier alternative to bank robbery.
As this situation develops, it has sparked discussions about the vulnerabilities and dangers associated with cryptocurrency ownership and the lengths to which criminals may go to exploit these digital assets.
The victim, whose identity remains confidential, reported harrowing experiences of physical abuse, including being dangled from a ledge, electrocuted, and assaulted with a chainsaw while being coerced to disclose his Bitcoin wallet information. Both suspects face serious charges, including kidnapping with the intent to collect ransom, assault, and unlawful imprisonment.
The case took a dramatic turn when the victim managed to escape from Woeltz's extravagant SoHo residence. He explained that he had been held captive for 17 days beginning from May 6 and had his passport confiscated upon arrival. He was reportedly threatened with a firearm, physically assaulted, and manipulated into using drugs.
After creating an opportunity to break free on Friday morning, the victim darted from the eight-bedroom townhouse — bloodied and without shoes — once he had agreed to reveal his password. Upon reporting the situation to authorities, he was promptly hospitalized for his injuries. Police searches of the property subsequently uncovered disturbing evidence, including graphic photographs of the victim's torment, along with firearms and illicit substances.
This shocking case in New York is part of an alarming trend, with over 20 arrests made recently in France as authorities continue to investigate multiple kidnapping attempts targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families. David Seltzer, a criminal defense attorney specializing in cyber-crime, remarked on the rising prevalence of such criminal tactics, suggesting that some criminals view it as an easier alternative to bank robbery.
As this situation develops, it has sparked discussions about the vulnerabilities and dangers associated with cryptocurrency ownership and the lengths to which criminals may go to exploit these digital assets.
