William Duplessie, 32, has surrendered to police as the second suspect involved in the alleged torture of an Italian tourist in Manhattan. The victim endured severe abuse while held in captivity, with demands for his Bitcoin credentials.
Second Arrest in Disturbing Manhattan Crypto Torture Case
Second Arrest in Disturbing Manhattan Crypto Torture Case
Authorities apprehend a second suspect in a shocking kidnapping and torture incident aimed at extracting cryptocurrency passwords from a victim.
Article text:
A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and torture of an Italian tourist in an upscale Manhattan residence, as the search for answers deepens in this chilling case. William Duplessie, 32, voluntarily turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday following the arrest of his alleged accomplice, John Woeltz, who was taken into custody the previous week.
The victim, whose identity has not been publicly released, reported horrific details of his captivity. He described being suspended from a rooftop ledge, electrocuted with wires, and menaced with a chainsaw as his captors insisted he reveal his Bitcoin wallet password. Both Duplessie and Woeltz face multiple charges, including kidnapping with intent to collect ransom, assault, and unlawful imprisonment.
The shocking arrests emerged after the victim managed to escape from the SoHo home, a neighborhood known for its wealth and luxury. According to reports, Woeltz, a crypto investor from Kentucky, had been renting the upscale property for a substantial sum ranging from $30,000 to $40,000 per month.
In addition to Duplessie and Woeltz, authorities apprehended a third individual, a woman, during the investigation, though prosecutors have opted not to file charges against her. The ordeal began when the victim arrived in New York on May 6, only to be held captive in the suspects' residence, where Woeltz allegedly confiscated his passport.
After several torturous weeks, the victim managed to escape the grips of his tormentors and sought help from law enforcement. He has since been taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries and trauma. Law enforcement conducted a raid on the SoHo home, uncovering Polaroid photos of the victim's abuse, along with firearms and illegal substances.
This shocking incident is reminiscent of broader trends, as authorities in France have also arrested over 20 individuals connected to a spate of kidnapping attempts targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families. Such alarming patterns of crime in relation to the burgeoning cryptocurrency market highlight the urgent need for greater awareness and protective measures for those involved in this digital frontier.
A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and torture of an Italian tourist in an upscale Manhattan residence, as the search for answers deepens in this chilling case. William Duplessie, 32, voluntarily turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday following the arrest of his alleged accomplice, John Woeltz, who was taken into custody the previous week.
The victim, whose identity has not been publicly released, reported horrific details of his captivity. He described being suspended from a rooftop ledge, electrocuted with wires, and menaced with a chainsaw as his captors insisted he reveal his Bitcoin wallet password. Both Duplessie and Woeltz face multiple charges, including kidnapping with intent to collect ransom, assault, and unlawful imprisonment.
The shocking arrests emerged after the victim managed to escape from the SoHo home, a neighborhood known for its wealth and luxury. According to reports, Woeltz, a crypto investor from Kentucky, had been renting the upscale property for a substantial sum ranging from $30,000 to $40,000 per month.
In addition to Duplessie and Woeltz, authorities apprehended a third individual, a woman, during the investigation, though prosecutors have opted not to file charges against her. The ordeal began when the victim arrived in New York on May 6, only to be held captive in the suspects' residence, where Woeltz allegedly confiscated his passport.
After several torturous weeks, the victim managed to escape the grips of his tormentors and sought help from law enforcement. He has since been taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries and trauma. Law enforcement conducted a raid on the SoHo home, uncovering Polaroid photos of the victim's abuse, along with firearms and illegal substances.
This shocking incident is reminiscent of broader trends, as authorities in France have also arrested over 20 individuals connected to a spate of kidnapping attempts targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families. Such alarming patterns of crime in relation to the burgeoning cryptocurrency market highlight the urgent need for greater awareness and protective measures for those involved in this digital frontier.
