TLDR
- Two NYPD officers placed on modified duty over alleged involvement in SoHo crypto torture case
- Officer Roberto Cordero allegedly picked up victim from airport and transported him to townhouse where he was held
- Officer Raymond J. Low reportedly worked private security for the main suspects
- Victim Michael Carturan was tortured for three weeks by suspects seeking his $30 million crypto wallet access
- Main suspects John Woeltz and William Duplessie face kidnapping and torture charges
Two New York Police Department officers have been placed on modified duty following allegations of their involvement in a crypto kidnapping and torture case that unfolded in Manhattan. The officers are under internal affairs investigation for their suspected connections to the main suspects.
Roberto Cordero, a 20-year veteran assigned to the NYPD’s Executive Protection Unit, allegedly picked up victim Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan from an area airport on May 6. Cordero then transported the Italian crypto trader to a luxury townhouse at 38 Prince Street in SoHo.
The Executive Protection Unit is responsible for safeguarding high-ranking city officials, including Mayor Eric Adams. Cordero has served on the mayor’s security detail since December 2021.
The second officer, Detective Raymond J. Low, who investigates narcotics cases in Manhattan, reportedly had financial ties to the suspects. Low allegedly received payment to provide private security services for suspects John Woeltz and William Duplessie.
The Three-Week Ordeal
Carturan was held captive at the townhouse for three weeks, from May 6 to May 22. Court documents detail how suspects bound him, beat him with weapons, and subjected him to electric shocks.
The attackers also terrorized Carturan with a chainsaw and forced him to smoke crack cocaine. Their goal was to force him to surrender access to his cryptocurrency holdings, estimated at approximately $30 million.
Carturan eventually escaped on May 22, which he described as his planned “death day.” He fled the townhouse and contacted authorities about his ordeal.
Suspects Face Serious Charges
John Woeltz, 37, was arrested and indicted on May 29. A judge denied his attorney’s request for release on a $2 million bond, and he remains in custody.
William Duplessie, 33, a Swiss national and co-founder of Pangea Blockchain Fund, surrendered to authorities earlier this week. He is currently in custody awaiting indictment.
A third person, 24-year-old Beatrice Folchi, was initially charged with kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment. However, she was released and her prosecution was deferred.
Police Department Response
The NYPD confirmed that both officers were placed on modified duty, which typically restricts personnel to desk work. The department stated the matter is under internal review.
It remains unclear whether the officers were employed directly by the suspects or worked through a private security company. NYPD officers must receive department approval to work for security firms.
Neither the nature of the security services nor whether the officers were present during the alleged crimes has been fully disclosed. The investigation continues to examine their exact roles in the case.
Officer Background Details
Detective Cordero joined the NYPD in January 2005 and has served in the 46th Precinct in the Bronx and on a narcotics team in Manhattan. He has faced several complaints over the years accusing him of authority abuse and excessive force.
Detective Low also joined the department in January 2005 and was promoted to detective in 2013. He has been named in nine complaints since 2008, including accusations of false statements and improper use of force.
New York City Hall issued a statement expressing concern about the allegations. Officials emphasized that all city employees, including police officers, are expected to follow the law both on and off duty.
Woeltz is scheduled for arraignment on June 11, when his sealed indictment will be made public.
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