Two men charged with torturing victim for cryptocurrency in NYC

In May 2023, an Italian man was lured to New York by John Woeltz and William Duplessie under threats of violence against his family. Once he arrived, he was held captive in a luxury townhouse in SoHo, where he was brutally tortured over the course of several weeks. The alleged torture included being assaulted with firearms, a cattle prod, and even a chainsaw, all in an effort to extract information about his Bitcoin password. After enduring unimaginable horrors, the victim managed to escape on May 23 and sought help from law enforcement. The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Woeltz and Duplessie, who have continued to maintain their innocence. They pleaded not guilty to multiple serious charges, which include kidnapping, assault, and coercion. The case attracted considerable attention due to the violent nature of the crimes and the amount of money involved, as cryptocurrency theft has become a growing concern in recent years. Prosecutors argued against the defendants' release on bail, emphasizing the severity of the crimes and potential danger posed by the defendants. A Manhattan judge granted bail of $1 million each for Woeltz and Duplessie, subjecting them to electronic monitoring and home confinement. This decision has raised eyebrows, given the gruesome allegations detailed in the indictment. The prosecution also presented evidence suggesting that these individuals may have been involved in other disturbing incidents related to cryptocurrency, further complicating the legal proceedings. The story reflects a troubling trend where individuals are becoming targets for their digital assets. Cases like this underscore the risks associated with cryptocurrency ownership and the lengths to which some people will go to obtain this form of wealth. As the case unfolds, it highlights the intersection of technological advancements in finance with the criminal acts they can inadvertently provoke, raising pressing questions about safety and security within the context of a rapidly changing digital landscape.