Second Cryptocurrency Investor Charged in NYC Kidnapping Case

William Duplessie, a cryptocurrency investor, has turned himself in for allegedly kidnapping and torturing a man in Manhattan, alongside accomplice John Woeltz. The victim escaped after 17 days of brutal treatment, revealing an alarming trend in violence linked to crypto theft. Both men are entrepreneurs in the blockchain space, and authorities are concerned about rising threats against wealthy cryptocurrency holders.

In a shocking turn of events in New York City, a second cryptocurrency investor turned himself in Tuesday, facing serious charges linked to the kidnapping and torture of a man. William Duplessie, aged 32, landed in police custody amidst allegations that he, along with accomplice John Woeltz, held a 28-year-old Italian man captive in a lavish Soho townhouse for nearly three weeks in a desperate quest for Bitcoin access.

Last week, the victim managed to escape from his captors, emerging bloodied and barefoot, revealing a horrifying tale of abuse that included beatings, electrical torture, and threats to his life. Duplessie has been charged with kidnapping, assault, and unlawful imprisonment among others. Shortly after the victim’s escape, Woeltz, aged 37, was also taken into custody. Both men are entrepreneurs in the crypto space, further complicating an already fraught narrative.

Authorities have indicated that both Duplessie and Woeltz lured the victim to the upscale townhouse on May 6, with intentions to seize his Bitcoin fortune. The 28-year-old reported that for the 17 days he was held captive, he endured various forms of torture, including being pistol-whipped and restrained, while the perpetrators sought to force him into revealing his Bitcoin password.

The victim’s narrow escape unfolded when he finally agreed to disclose his password, thinking death was imminent. While his captors stepped out to retrieve his computer, he made a break for it, finding assistance from a traffic agent outside. Inspecting the premises afterward, police discovered a plethora of incriminating items such as drugs, weapons, and disturbing photographs of the victim.

Duplessie and Woeltz have yet to comment publicly through their attorneys. This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing violence in the cryptocurrency world, where wealthy holders are becoming targets for criminals. With escalating trends in crypto theft and threats toward investors, this case exemplifies a concerning shift in how physical crime is intersecting with digital currency investment.

In conclusion, the kidnapping and torture incident involving two cryptocurrency investors highlights a troubling trend of violence tied to the crypto industry. With rising numbers in reported cryptocurrency theft and incidents, such as violent assaults aimed at investors, the case raises alarming questions about safety in the blockchain space. As law enforcement ramps up investigations, the broader implications for cryptocurrency investment and security loom large.

Original Source: apnews.com