In a recent shocking turn of events in Manhattan, two suspects have entered pleas of not guilty in the case involving the kidnapping and torture of a 28-year-old Italian cryptocurrency investor. The investigation has now expanded to involve the New York Police Department, bringing further intrigue to an already disturbing situation.
William Duplessie, 33, and John Woeltz, 37, were taken into custody by the New York police in connection with the case, alongside a third individual, Beatrice Folchi, 24, whose prosecution has been deferred. The victim, whose identity has not been revealed to the public, was allegedly held captive in a luxury townhouse located in Manhattan’s upscale SoHo neighborhood for over two weeks.
During this harrowing period, the victim was subjected to various forms of torture, including being forced to consume drugs, suspended from a ledge, physically assaulted, and electrocuted, all in an attempt to coerce him into surrendering the private keys to his bitcoin holdings. The perpetrators reportedly went to extreme lengths, such as creating demeaning t-shirts featuring the victim and taking threatening Polaroid photographs.
The victim managed to escape the ordeal last Friday, fleeing the townhouse with his laptop and seeking assistance from a nearby traffic officer. Following these events, Duplessie and Woeltz appeared in court to face charges related to the kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and possession of firearms. Both individuals have pleaded not guilty to the accusations brought against them.
In a surprising development, it has been revealed that two NYPD officers, one of whom was assigned to Mayor Eric Adams’ protection detail, had connections to Duplessie and Woeltz through security work conducted during their off-duty hours. These officers have now been placed on modified duty as the investigation continues. Although initial reports indicate that the officers were not directly involved in the kidnapping, their association with the suspects has raised additional questions surrounding the case.
As the investigation widens and more details come to light, the cryptocurrency investor’s Manhattan kidnapping case continues to captivate public attention with its disturbing and perplexing nature. The unfolding events serve as a stark reminder of the risks and complexities involved in the world of cryptocurrency, shedding light on the dark underbelly that can sometimes accompany this digital asset landscape.
