Suspects in New York Cryptocurrency Kidnapping and Torture Case Enter Not Guilty Pleas as Investigation Expands

Two individuals, believed to be involved in the abduction and torment of a 28-year-old cryptocurrency investor from Italy, have denied the allegations during their court appearance, even as inquiries into the case reportedly extend to the New York Police Department.

The authorities in New York previously detained William Duplessie, 33, and John Woeltz, 37, in connection with the case, alongside a third party, Beatrice Folchi, 24, whose case is currently on hold. The identity of the victim has not been disclosed to the public.

The accused are said to have kidnapped the victim, detaining him for over two weeks in an upscale townhouse located in Manhattan’s affluent SoHo area. Throughout this period, it is alleged that they subjected him to various forms of torture, including drug administration, physical threats, degrading actions, and the use of an electric shock device, all in an attempt to coerce him into surrendering his bitcoin private keys. The accusations also entail the creation of mock merchandise featuring the victim in humiliating scenarios.

Last Friday, the victim managed to escape by seizing his laptop and fleeing the townhouse, subsequently alerting a passing traffic officer for assistance.

Duplessie has entered a not-guilty plea to multiple accusations, including kidnapping for ransom, inflicting bodily harm during the kidnapping, unlawful possession of a firearm, assault with the intent to harm using a weapon, and wrongful detention as documented in court records.

Woeltz faces charges that include kidnapping, assault, unlawful detention, and firearm possession, and he has also asserted his innocence in court proceedings.

In a related development, two NYPD officers, one of whom is a detective on duty for Mayor Eric Adams, reportedly worked security for both Duplessie and Woeltz during their off-duty hours. They have since been reassigned to modified duties, although sources indicate that their involvement does not extend to the kidnapping act but rather pertains to security assistance. It has not been confirmed that they participated in the acts of torture against the victim.

The NYPD has indicated that the situation is currently undergoing an internal review.

A representative from the mayor’s office stated that all city employees are expected to abide by the law at all times, both while on duty and off. The office expressed concern regarding the allegations and confirmed that the involved officers have been placed on modified duty pending the investigation’s findings.