A second suspect has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping and torturing an Italian tourist in a Manhattan home. The goal? To steal his cryptocurrency.
William Duplessie, 32, turned himself in to the police recently after his accomplice, John Woeltz, 37, was arrested the week before. The victim reported a harrowing experience where he was hung from a ledge, shocked with electrical wires, and attacked with a chainsaw—all to force him to reveal the password to his Bitcoin wallet.
Both men face serious charges, including kidnapping, assault, and unlawful imprisonment. The situation unfolded when the victim managed to escape a SoHo residence, known for its wealth, where he had been held captive for nearly three weeks.
Duplessie is reportedly a business associate of Woeltz, who had been renting the high-end SoHo property for between $30,000 and $40,000 a month. Both men have been linked to a series of violent demands, including threats to the victim’s family and physical assaults.
The Italian tourist arrived in New York on May 6 and claims that upon arriving, Woeltz seized his passport and held him captive for 17 days. During this time, he endured threats and was even pressured into drug use. He eventually escaped on a Friday morning, barely clinging to life, after leading his captors to believe he would give up his password.
After his escape, the victim reported the horrific events to the authorities and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police later discovered evidence of the torture, including photographs from the ordeal.
This incident is not isolated. Recently, authorities in France arrested over 20 individuals connected to kidnapping plots targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs. These cases highlight a disturbing trend: the targeting of crypto investors has become more common due to the potential monetary gain. Criminal defense attorney David Seltzer notes that “people see kidnapping as an easy way to access Bitcoin wallets instead of robbing traditional banks.”
Data shows a rise in crime related to cryptocurrencies. A report from CipherTrace noted that in 2020 alone, losses from cryptocurrency crime had exceeded $1.8 billion. This trend indicates that as digital currencies become more popular, they also attract those looking to exploit vulnerabilities.
In this evolving landscape, the interplay of cryptocurrency, crime, and new technology seems to create fertile ground for illicit activities. Everyday users should be aware of these risks and take steps to protect their assets.
For more details on cryptocurrency-related crimes, you can check out CipherTrace’s report.
