A second suspect has been arrested in connection with an alleged horrific kidnapping and torture scheme aimed at stealing cryptocurrency from an Italian tourist in an upscale Manhattan property. William Duplessie, 32, turned himself into authorities late Tuesday, following the arrest of his alleged accomplice last week.
The victim reported that he was subjected to extreme violence, including being dangled off a roof ledge, being shocked with electrical devices, and threatened with a chainsaw, all while his captors demanded access to his Bitcoin wallet. Both Duplessie and John Woeltz, 37—the man arrested last week—face serious charges including kidnapping with intent to collect ransom, unlawful imprisonment, and assault.
The ordeal began when the victim arrived in New York from Italy on May 6, and was allegedly taken hostage in Woeltz's rented home in SoHo, known for its affluence and luxury. The situation escalated as Woeltz reportedly confiscated the victim's passport and held him captive for almost three weeks.
The victim managed to escape and promptly informed police, leading to a rescue operation where law enforcement discovered evidence of his captivity, including Polaroid photos depicting the victim tied up, alongside firearms and illegal substances. Notably, police have also arrested a woman connected to the case, although no charges have been filed against her as of yet.
This case draws attention to a disturbing trend, as authorities in France recently apprehended over 20 individuals linked to similar kidnapping plots targeting cryptocurrency figures and their families, following multiple abduction attempts across the country.
The escalating violence linked to cryptocurrency crimes has raised alarms, as cities worldwide grapple with the potential dangers posed by digital currencies and the illegal tactics some may employ to gain financial access.
