New York Man Denied Bail Over Alleged Bitcoin Ransom, Torture Plot
David ClarkeProsecutors allege Duplessie and Woeltz held an Italian national hostage for 17 days in a Soho townhouse to force access to a Bitcoin wallet.[...]
Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Suspect in Crypto Investor Kidnapping and Torture Case
A Manhattan grand jury has indicted one of two men allegedly involved in the high-profile kidnapping and torture of an Italian crypto investor. William Duplessie, 32, faces charges including kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and weapons possession in connection with a scheme to forcibly extract Bitcoin from the victim through weeks of violent coercion.
Details of the Arrests and Charges
Duplessie and co-defendant John Woeltz, 37, allegedly lured the victim to a Soho townhouse on May 6 by threatening the victim's family. Both were formally charged last week, with Woeltz being denied bail on Thursday despite his attorney's arguments citing his client's clean record, philosophy degree, and tech industry success.
Duplessie surrendered to Manhattan police last Tuesday, while a third suspect, Beatrice Folchi, was arrested and later released pending further investigation. Both Duplessie and Woeltz will remain in custody until their June 11 arraignment, with their indictments sealed until that date.
Alleged Torture and Escape of Crypto Investor Victim
The 28-year-old Italian victim endured 17 days of captivity, during which the suspects allegedly subjected him to brutal treatment including:
- Electric shocks using wires
- Forced consumption of cocaine via crack pipe
- Being dangled from a five-story staircase
The ordeal ended on May 23 when the victim, after being pistol-whipped, feigned cooperation to access his crypto. When the captors left to retrieve a laptop, the bloodied and barefoot victim escaped to nearby streets.
Related Crypto Kidnappings in Paris
In a separate development, French authorities have arrested at least 12 individuals connected to two recent crypto-related kidnappings in Paris. Investigators report these crimes involve pseudonymous leaders recruiting younger accomplices for violent schemes.
The Manhattan case represents part of a growing trend of "wrench attacks" targeting cryptocurrency holders, prompting security experts to recommend enhanced personal protection measures for digital asset investors.
