• Two suspects, including cryptocurrency investor John Woeltz, arrested in connection with the kidnapping and torture of an Italian man to obtain his Bitcoin password.
  • Victim endured weeks of abuse, including being bound, drugged, and beaten, before escaping and alerting authorities.
  • The case highlights rising cryptocurrency-related crimes and the need for stronger cybersecurity measures.

A second arrest has been made in the harrowing case of an Italian man allegedly kidnapped and tortured in Manhattan over his Bitcoin password. Authorities confirmed the arrest of William Duplessie, 32, who turned himself in on Tuesday, according to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. This follows the earlier arrest of 35-year-old John Woeltz, a cryptocurrency investor, on similar charges.

Victim Endures Harrowing Abuse in Soho Townhouse

The case centers around a 28-year-old Italian national who, prosecutors say, endured weeks of physical and psychological abuse at a Soho townhouse. The victim was reportedly bound, drugged, and beaten in a scheme to force him to surrender his Bitcoin wallet credentials. Police documents allege that the suspects subjected the man to electric shocks, struck him with a firearm, and even dangled him over a staircase.

Victim Escapes After Forced Bitcoin Surrender

The alleged ordeal came to an end when the victim, believing his life was in imminent danger, provided his Bitcoin password. Authorities say he then seized an opportunity to escape while the suspects retrieved his computer. He flagged down a traffic officer, leading to the arrests.

Suspects Arrested and Charged

John Woeltz, who was taken into custody on Friday, has been charged with kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm. Court records reveal that Woeltz pleaded not guilty during his initial appearance on Saturday and is currently being held without bail. Duplessie, arrested Tuesday, faces the same charges. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects, with Tisch stating, “Right now, we’re focused on these two individuals, but there may be others.”

Third Individual Under Investigation

Court filings also identified a third individual, Beatrice Folchi, as being connected to the alleged scheme. However, Folchi has not been formally charged at this time. A spokesperson for the district attorney’s office indicated that her case is under “further investigation.” In an interview with the New York Post, Folchi denied wrongdoing, stating, “Everything will be explained with a lawyer.”

Cryptocurrency-Related Crimes on the Rise

This case underscores the growing risks of cryptocurrency-related crimes. Bitcoin, known for its anonymity and high value, has increasingly been targeted in criminal enterprises. Legal analysts emphasize that such cases highlight the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures.

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