The chilling incident raises questions about the lengths individuals will go to secure crypto assets.
**Second Suspect Detained in Disturbing Crypto Abduction Case**
**Second Suspect Detained in Disturbing Crypto Abduction Case**
An alarming kidnapping case in Manhattan has seen a second suspect apprehended as authorities uncover shocking torture details linked to cryptocurrency theft.
In a developing story from Manhattan, a second suspect has been apprehended in connection with the distressing kidnapping and torture of an Italian tourist, who was allegedly held captive in a luxurious SoHo townhouse for weeks, primarily for his cryptocurrency. William Duplessie, 32, voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement on Tuesday after his alleged partner in crime, John Woeltz, 37, was arrested the previous week. Their victim has informed police that he endured horrific treatment, including being dangled from a roof ledge, subjected to electrical shocks, and assaulted with a chainsaw as the attackers sought to extract his Bitcoin wallet password.
Both Duplessie and Woeltz face serious charges, including kidnapping for ransom, assault, and unlawful imprisonment. The investigation gained momentum when the victim successfully escaped from the residence. He had been allegedly bound and tortured for nearly 17 days before his brave getaway, which occurred after he purportedly agreed to divulge his password. Once his captors left to retrieve his laptop, the 28-year-old Italian national made his escape, emerging bloodied and barefoot, and reported his ordeal to authorities.
After the victim's escape, the police conducted a search of the townhouse, uncovering Polaroid photographs capturing the victim's torment, alongside firearms and illegal substances. Although a woman was arrested during the same sweep, prosecutors have decided not to file charges against her.
This troubling case is reminiscent of a wider pattern, as law enforcement in France recently took measures against over 20 individuals involved in kidnapping plots targeting crypto investors and their families. David Seltzer, a criminal defense lawyer specializing in cyber-crime, noted concerning trends, stating that such kidnappings seem increasingly prevalent, with perpetrators viewing them as a viable means to access cryptocurrency rather than traditional theft. As investigations continue, both the New York and French authorities face the escalating challenge of protecting crypto investors from violent schemes targeting their assets.
Both Duplessie and Woeltz face serious charges, including kidnapping for ransom, assault, and unlawful imprisonment. The investigation gained momentum when the victim successfully escaped from the residence. He had been allegedly bound and tortured for nearly 17 days before his brave getaway, which occurred after he purportedly agreed to divulge his password. Once his captors left to retrieve his laptop, the 28-year-old Italian national made his escape, emerging bloodied and barefoot, and reported his ordeal to authorities.
After the victim's escape, the police conducted a search of the townhouse, uncovering Polaroid photographs capturing the victim's torment, alongside firearms and illegal substances. Although a woman was arrested during the same sweep, prosecutors have decided not to file charges against her.
This troubling case is reminiscent of a wider pattern, as law enforcement in France recently took measures against over 20 individuals involved in kidnapping plots targeting crypto investors and their families. David Seltzer, a criminal defense lawyer specializing in cyber-crime, noted concerning trends, stating that such kidnappings seem increasingly prevalent, with perpetrators viewing them as a viable means to access cryptocurrency rather than traditional theft. As investigations continue, both the New York and French authorities face the escalating challenge of protecting crypto investors from violent schemes targeting their assets.
