TLDR
- Third arrest made in New York Bitcoin kidnapping case involving torture of Italian businessman
- William Duplessie surrendered to NYPD Tuesday, charged with kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and weapons possession
- Duplessie and John Woeltz allegedly held victim captive for two weeks in Manhattan apartment, using electric shocks and beatings
- Victim was targeted for his Bitcoin seed phrase access, part of growing trend of crypto-related violent crimes
- If convicted, both suspects face minimum 15 years to life in prison
William Duplessie surrendered to New York police Tuesday, becoming the third person arrested in a Bitcoin kidnapping case that shocked the crypto community. The 28-year-old Italian businessman was held captive for two weeks in an upscale Manhattan apartment.
Duplessie faces charges of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault, unlawful imprisonment, and weapons possession. Police say he worked with John Woeltz to carry out the violent crime targeting the victim’s Bitcoin holdings.
The alleged kidnapping began when the suspects abducted the Italian businessman. They held him in a luxury Manhattan townhouse where the torture took place over several weeks.
Police reports detail how the victim endured electric shocks, physical beatings, and firearm threats. The attackers wanted access to the victim’s Bitcoin seed phrase to steal his cryptocurrency.
John Woeltz, 33, was arrested Saturday after the victim managed to escape from the Manhattan location. Prosecutors charged Woeltz with kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and weapons possession charges.
The court ordered Woeltz held without bail pending trial. His assistant, Beatrice Folchi, was also arrested Friday on kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment charges.
Growing Pattern of Crypto Violence
The Manhattan District Attorney declined to prosecute Folchi pending further investigation. She was released after her Friday arrest.
This case reflects a disturbing trend of criminals targeting cryptocurrency holders. French police arrested 12 suspects this month in connection with two Paris crypto kidnappings.
The Paris cases included the kidnapping of a crypto entrepreneur’s father. These attacks show how criminals view crypto holders as high-value targets.
Ledger co-founder David Balland was kidnapped with his wife in January. Reports indicate the kidnappers cut off one of Balland’s fingers as proof of the abduction.
Legal Consequences
The NYPD completed a months-long search with Duplessie’s surrender Tuesday. Authorities have not revealed if Duplessie has legal representation or connections to other criminal networks.
Both Duplessie and Woeltz could face 15 years to life in federal prison if convicted on all charges. The serious nature of the charges reflects the violent methods used during the kidnapping.
The victim’s escape from the luxury townhouse led to the arrests and exposed the elaborate criminal operation. Police continue investigating whether the case connects to broader criminal networks targeting crypto investors.
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