Two cryptocurrency investors, John Woeltz, 37, and William Duplessie, 33, have been arrested and charged with kidnapping, assault, and weapons possession after allegedly holding an Italian man captive for nearly three weeks in a luxury Manhattan townhouse to extort his Bitcoin password.
Incident Details
The victim, 28-year-old Italian crypto entrepreneur Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, was lured to the townhouse in Manhattan’s upscale SoHo neighborhood on May 6. There, according to police reports, he was bound, beaten, drugged, shocked with electrical wires, and at one point dangled over a staircase by his captors who threatened to kill him and his family if he did not surrender access to his Bitcoin accounts.
Carturan managed to escape on May 23, appearing barefoot and bloodied on the street, where he sought help from a nearby officer. Police found disturbing evidence inside the townhouse, including a saw, crack cocaine, chicken wire, body armor, night vision goggles, ammunition, and photographs of the victim with a gun pointed at his head.
Legal Proceedings
Woeltz was indicted by a grand jury and is scheduled for arraignment on June 11, while Duplessie appeared in court recently and remains in custody. Both men have not yet entered pleas. Their attorneys have declined to comment publicly.
Woeltz’s defense has highlighted his lack of criminal record and professional background in technology and blockchain investment, while prosecutors have noted his access to private jets and helicopters, arguing he poses a flight risk.
Backgrounds of the Accused
- John Woeltz is originally from Kentucky and has a background in tech innovation, including participation in blockchain projects and founding Silicon River Capital. He reportedly has a net worth exceeding $100 million.
- William Duplessie co-founded the Pangea Blockchain Fund in Switzerland and has been involved in crypto venture capital since 2012. Despite professional credentials, Duplessie has faced previous civil and criminal allegations and reportedly lived a lavish lifestyle in Manhattan.
Both men and the victim were reportedly connected through a New York-based cryptocurrency hedge fund, with internal police documents suggesting a financial dispute between Woeltz and Carturan precipitated the crime.
Police and Political Implications
Two NYPD officers, including one assigned to Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail, are under investigation for their connections to the case. One officer allegedly transported the victim to the townhouse, raising concerns about police involvement or negligence.
Context of a Growing Crypto Crime Wave
This case is part of a broader trend of violent crimes targeting cryptocurrency holders globally. Recent incidents include high-profile kidnappings in France and organized crime groups in Europe and Mexico using crypto for illicit activities. The Manhattan case stands out due to the accused perpetrators’ status as high-profile crypto investors themselves, marking a shocking escalation in crypto-related violence.
This unfolding case highlights the dark underbelly of the cryptocurrency world where digital fortunes can provoke brutal real-world violence, even among insiders. The upcoming court proceedings will be closely watched for their implications on crypto industry security and law enforcement oversight.
