Key Takeaways
- John Woeltz, 37, and William Duplessie, 33, were each granted a USD 1 million bond by a New York judge earlier this week.
- They are charged with kidnapping, assault, coercion, and other serious offenses.
Two men accused of kidnapping and torturing an Italian crypto trader in a Manhattan townhouse have been released on bail despite prosecutors’ strong objections. John Woeltz, 37, and William Duplessie, 33, were each granted a USD 1 million bond by a New York judge earlier this week. They are charged with kidnapping, assault, coercion, and other serious offenses.
The 28-year-old victim, whose identity remains protected, reportedly arrived in New York in early May. According to law enforcement, he was lured under false pretenses and held against his will for more than two weeks. Prosecutors allege the victim was confined in an upscale multi-room residence, where he was repeatedly beaten, burned, and shocked as his captors attempted to extract access to his Bitcoin holdings. They have described the case as a prolonged, violent extortion attempt targeting a foreign national’s crypto assets.
Evidence collected from the property revealed a disturbing scene: weapons, including a loaded firearm and cattle prod, were found alongside hacking tools, plastic tarps, buckets, goggles, and substances believed to be drugs. Investigators also uncovered polaroid images showing a weapon aimed at the victim’s head, and say the accused men threatened to dismember his body if he didn’t comply.
Prosecutors said messages between the suspects show they were coordinating efforts to monitor and intimidate the victim. One assistant reportedly expressed concern that the victim might escape, prompting another to reply that he was “being watched.” Other communications allegedly referenced forced drug use, with the suspects justifying their own consumption by claiming it was to match the victim’s state.
The victim eventually escaped on May 23, after convincing one of the accused to let him retrieve his password from a laptop in another room. Seizing the opportunity when briefly left unattended, he fled the residence and caught the attention of traffic police officer. He was hospitalised immediately after, with injuries reflecting prolonged abuse, police said.
Woeltz was arrested shortly afterwards the escape, while Duplessie surrendered days later. During their arraignment, both pleaded not guilty. They are now under strict bail conditions, which involve surrendering their passports, wearing electronic ankle monitors, and remaining confined to their residences.
The next court hearing is scheduled for October 15.
