CRIME

Crypto Kidnapping Case: A Tale of Torture or Just Frat Fun?

USA, ManhattanThu Jul 24 2025

Two men, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, are in serious trouble.

They're accused of kidnapping an Italian man, Michael Carturan, and torturing him to steal his Bitcoin. The cops found a manifesto at Woeltz's place, detailing plans to steal crypto from "bad people." But the defendants' lawyers claim it was all just a wild party gone too far, even calling it "hazing."

The Chilling Details

The prosecutor presented texts and videos showing real torture, including:

  • Chainsaws
  • Cattle prods
  • Plans to dispose of a body

She argued that the defendants used drugs, violence, and sex to control Carturan.

The Judge's Decision

The judge allowed them to go free on a $1 million bail each—but no Bitcoin allowed. They must:

  • Stay home
  • Wear ankle monitors
  • Woeltz is moving to New York
  • Duplessie is heading to Florida

A Bizarre Case

This case is a strange mix of a crypto heist and a bad frat party. The judge had to decide based on the facts—and the facts are deeply disturbing.

questions

    What are the ethical implications of using a manifesto as evidence in a court of law?
    How does the defense's portrayal of the victim's actions and statements align with or contradict the prosecution's evidence?
    Are the defendants part of a larger, secretive group using extreme methods to regulate the cryptocurrency market?

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