Authorities in New York have arrested William Duplessie for his involvement in a harrowing kidnapping scheme where an Italian tourist was tortured for his Bitcoin password. This incident highlights the rising crime associated with cryptocurrency in urban areas.
Second Arrest Made in Disturbing Crypto Kidnapping Case in Manhattan
Second Arrest Made in Disturbing Crypto Kidnapping Case in Manhattan
A second suspect has been apprehended in connection with the alleged torture and kidnapping of an Italian tourist, aimed at stealing his cryptocurrency.
A second suspect has been taken into custody in a shocking case involving the kidnapping and torture of an Italian tourist in an upscale Manhattan residence, with the aim of stealing his cryptocurrency. William Duplessie, age 32, surrendered to law enforcement on Tuesday, following the arrest of his alleged accomplice the previous week.
The victim has reported harrowing experiences, including being dangled from a roof ledge, subjected to electrical shocks, and assaulted with a chainsaw as his abductors coerced him to disclose his Bitcoin wallet password. Duplessie and his co-defendant, Kentucky crypto investor John Woeltz, 37, face several serious charges including kidnapping with intent to collect ransom, assault, and unlawful imprisonment.
The situation unfolded after the victim managed to escape from a SoHo property, a wealthy neighborhood in New York, where he had reportedly been held captive and tortured for nearly three weeks. According to police reports, Woeltz had seized the victim's passport upon arrival in the U.S. on May 6, effectively confining him until the escape on Friday morning.
Following his escape, the victim sought help from police, who have since provided him with medical assistance. Authorities conducted a search of the premises, uncovering disturbing evidence including Polaroid photographs depicting the victim being bound and tortured, alongside firearms and controlled substances found throughout the opulent home.
In a broader context, this incident joins a troubling trend. Recently, police in France apprehended over 20 individuals linked to kidnapping schemes targeting cryptocurrency professionals and their families, stemming from incidents that have included other abduction attempts across major cities. The growing prevalence of such crimes raises significant concerns over safety in the rising digital currency landscape.
