Manhattan Bitcoin Kidnapping and Torture Case Sees Third Arrest

A suspect involved in the kidnapping and torture of an Italian cryptocurrency investor in a Manhattan residence has turned himself in to the New York City authorities.

William Duplessie presented himself to police on Tuesday following reports of discussions with officials over several days leading up to his surrender.

He is the third individual linked to an alleged scheme aimed at coercing Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, a cryptocurrency fund associate, into revealing access to his bitcoin wallet, which he claims to have been tortured for nearly three weeks.

The incident commenced on May 6, when Carturan met up with his former business partner John Woeltz at a large townhouse on Prince Street in Manhattan’s NoLiTa area. There, he was reportedly ambushed by Woeltz and another associate, Beatrice Folchi.

According to police, the suspects allegedly used physical threats and psychological manipulation to force Carturan into relinquishing access to his substantial cryptocurrency assets, estimated to be worth millions.

Law enforcement reports indicate that Carturan suffered physical assault, was dangled from the top floor of the building, and held at gunpoint. After enduring nearly three weeks of captivity, he ultimately managed to escape and contact the authorities.

The case has gained attention due to its severe nature and highlights a troubling increase in physical assaults against cryptocurrency investors.

In a related incident in France, an attempted kidnapping of the daughter and grandson of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat was recently caught on camera. Previously, the father of a wealthy crypto investor was kidnapped and had a finger severed before being rescued.

Another case involved David Balland, a co-founder of the hardware wallet company Ledger, and his wife, who were kidnapped from their residence but were later rescued, with the ransom payment seized by authorities.

While Folchi has been released and her legal proceedings postponed, Woeltz is set to make a court appearance on Wednesday. Both he and Duplessie are facing charges related to kidnapping, assault, and illegal firearm possession.

An attorney representing Woeltz has yet to respond to requests for comments.