The case involves severe allegations against two suspects who allegedly held an Italian tourist captive in an upscale New York City neighborhood, aiming to force him to reveal his Bitcoin wallet password.
Second Suspect Charged in Kidnapping and Torture of Italian Tourist in NYC
Second Suspect Charged in Kidnapping and Torture of Italian Tourist in NYC
A second man has turned himself in, accused of participating in a shocking kidnapping and torture incident aimed at extracting cryptocurrency.
In a dramatic turn of events, a second suspect, William Duplessie, aged 32, has been apprehended in connection to a disturbing kidnapping and torture case involving an Italian tourist in a lavish Manhattan residence. Duplessie voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement on Tuesday, following the previous arrest of his accomplice, John Woeltz, 37, who was detained just days earlier.
The victim, whose identity has been withheld, reported being subjected to horrific treatment over the course of nearly three weeks, including being dangled from a ledge, electrocuted with live wires, and assaulted with a chainsaw. As the story unfolded, it became clear that the kidnappers were relentlessly demanding access to the victim’s Bitcoin wallet, a cryptocurrency that has gained popularity and value in recent years.
Both Duplessie and Woeltz are charged with multiple counts, including kidnapping with intent to collect ransom, assault, and unlawful imprisonment. The alarming series of events began when the victim landed in New York City from Italy and was taken to Woeltz's rented house in SoHo, a neighborhood known for its affluence, where rent prices range between $30,000 to $40,000 per month. Allegedly, upon his arrival, Woeltz confiscated the victim's passport and held him captive until his recent escape.
After managing to flee the premises, the victim sought help from the police, who promptly took action. During their investigation, authorities uncovered disturbing evidence within the home, which included Polaroid photographs documenting the victim's confinement and torture, as well as firearms and illegal substances.
In a related context, French law enforcement has been actively pursuing investigations into a series of kidnapping attempts targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs. Recently, over 20 individuals were arrested in France due to their involvement in a range of kidnapping plots, further highlighting the growing danger faced by those connected to the crypto industry.
This case serves as a grave reminder of the extreme measures individuals may resort to in the pursuit of cryptocurrency, revealing the darker side of financial technology amidst its ongoing proliferation.
