Crypto Nightmare: The Dark Side of Digital Money
In a bizarre turn of events, two men accused of a brutal crypto-related kidnapping walked free on bail.
- John Woeltz, a 37-year-old from Kentucky
- William Duplessie, a 33-year-old Miami resident
Each granted $1 million bail after being locked up since May, facing serious charges:
- Kidnapping
- Assault
- Coercion
Both pleaded not guilty, but the details of the case are chilling.
The Victim's Harrowing Ordeal
The victim, a 28-year-old Italian crypto trader, moved to New York City in early May.
- May 6: Allegedly kidnapped
- Unclear: Whether he knew his abductors
Prosecutors allege he was tortured for days, threatened with death, and even dangled over a railing to force him to reveal his Bitcoin password.
When he refused, things escalated:
- Beaten
- Shocked with electric wires
- Hit in the head with a gun
- Wrists bound
- Family threatened
Escape and Aftermath
The victim managed to escape in late May:
- Gave his password (on his laptop in another room)
- Ran to a traffic officer for help
- Taken to a hospital, where doctors found injuries matching his story
Arrests and Evidence
- Woeltz arrested after the victim's escape
- Duplessie turned himself in the following week
A search of the townhouse revealed a shocking amount of evidence:
- Cocaine
- A saw
- Chicken wire
- Body armor
- Night vision goggles
- Ammunition
- Polaroid photos of the victim with a gun to his head
Next Steps
Both men are still in custody as of Wednesday evening.
- Next court date: October 15
- Manhattan District Attorney's Office contacted for more details
The Dark Side of Crypto
This case highlights the dark side of the crypto world:
- While digital currencies offer many benefits, they also attract criminals
- Anonymity and lack of regulation make them a target for illegal activities
A reminder that while technology advances, so do the crimes associated with it.