NYPD detectives linked to Italian bitcoin millionaire's kidnapping and torture
- Two NYPD detectives are under investigation for their alleged ties to a kidnapping and torture case involving an Italian businessman.
- The crime took place in a Manhattan townhouse where the victim was held for nearly three weeks before escaping.
- The ongoing inquiry raises serious questions about the accountability and oversight of NYPD officers in their off-duty employment.
In New York City, two detectives from the NYPD have come under investigation for their potential involvement in a serious kidnapping and torture case concerning an Italian businessman. The incident reportedly occurred on May 6, 2023, when Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, an Italian national, was picked up from John F. Kennedy International Airport by one of the detectives before being driven to a Manhattan townhouse. Once at the location, Carturan was allegedly held captive for 17 days by two cryptocurrency investors, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, who sought to obtain his Bitcoin password through physical and psychological torture. The police were informed by the victim's escape on May 23, when he managed to flee from his captors while they sought to retrieve equipment necessary for accessing his Bitcoin. Authorities have since charged both Woeltz and Duplessie with multiple counts, including kidnapping and assault. The suspects have pleaded not guilty, prompting a significant legal battle ahead. The detectives involved, who have been placed on modified duty, reportedly lacked authorization for their off-duty security work, raising significant concerns about their judgment and professionalism. The NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau is examining the case, focusing on how long the detectives were employed by the crypto investors and if they received the necessary approvals prior to undertaking labor that raises ethical and legal questions. A spokesperson for the NYPD defined the expectations set on city employees to adhere to the law, including officers while off-duty. The investigation began amid growing scrutiny of the police department's regulations on off-duty employment and the conduct of its officers. While no evidence has indicated that the detectives were aware of the illegal activities taking place within the townhouse, the shocking nature of the allegations has raised questions regarding the NYPD's oversight and regulatory processes. City officials have made it clear that there is a zero-tolerance policy for any violations, especially those that compromise public trust and officer integrity. The investigation still has several legal steps ahead, as the implications of these events unfold within both the courtroom and public opinion.