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, and William Duplessie, a 33-year-old Miami resident, were each granted $1 million bail. They've been locked up since May, facing serious charges like kidnapping, assault, and coercion. Both pleaded not guilty, but the details of the case are chilling. The victim, a 28-year-old Italian crypto trader, moved to New York City in early May. On May 6, he was allegedly kidnapped. It's still unclear if he knew his abductors. Prosecutors say 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 got even worse. He was beaten, shocked with electric wires, and even hit in the head with a gun. His wrists were bound, and his family was threatened. The victim managed to escape in late May. He gave his password, which was on his laptop in another room. When one of the suspects turned away, he ran to a traffic officer for help. He was taken to a hospital, where doctors found injuries matching his story of being bound and assaulted. Woeltz was 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, and even Polaroid photos of the victim with a gun to his head. Both men are still in custody as of Wednesday evening. Their next court date is set for October 15. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has been contacted for more details. This case highlights the dark side of the crypto world. While digital currencies offer many benefits, they also attract criminals. The anonymity and lack of regulation make them a target for illegal activities. It's a reminder that while technology advances, so do the crimes associated with it.