Second suspect surrenders in bitcoin torture case

In an alarming incident from New York City, a cryptocurrency trader was allegedly kidnapped and tortured as part of a violent scheme to extract his Bitcoin password. The ordeal began when the victim, an Italian businessman, arrived in Manhattan from Italy on May 6. During his captivity, which lasted several weeks, he was brutally beaten by his captors, who attempted to force him to divulge his passwords for accessing his Bitcoin holdings. Authorities reported that the victim was subjected to extreme violence, including electric shocks, threats to his life, and physical restraint, all of which were aimed at coercing him into compliance. Law enforcement made substantial progress in the case following the victim's escape, which occurred shortly before police intervention. He managed to reach out for help after fleeing from the apartment where he was held against his will. On the basis of his testimony, police eventually arrested John Woeltz, a 37-year-old man, who was seen cuffed and barefoot outside his residence in the SoHo neighborhood shortly after the victim managed to alert law enforcement. Woeltz was charged with serious offenses including kidnapping and assault. Additionally, a second individual, identified as William Duplessie, aged 33, surrendered to police shortly thereafter. Duplessie faced similar charges including first-degree assault and kidnapping, indicating that both suspects were working in concert during the alleged incident. The police indicated that the two men had taken all of the victim's electronic devices and passport, effectively isolating him and increasing control over his circumstances. The victim described the harrowing experience where he was frequently threatened with death if he did not comply with their demands. The investigation revealed the extent of the planned violence and coercion. Authorities discovered various weapons and items in the apartment, including a firearm, which the victim claimed was used against him during his captivity. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is currently pursuing charges against the suspected criminals, while the investigation continues to provide clarity on the motivations and broader implications of this crime, shed light on the risks surrounding cryptocurrency交易, and the potential dangers that can arise when it is involved in shady dealings. The victim was reported receiving medical treatment for injuries consistent with how he described being bound and assaulted during the ordeal, marking a concerning episode in the sphere of cryptocurrency transactions.