Two men accused of orchestrating a chilling crypto kidnapping scheme in Manhattan have pleaded not guilty as details of the grisly affair continue to emerge, casting a shadow over the New York Police Department. William Duplessie, 33, and John Woeltz, 37, stand accused of holding a 28-year-old Italian cryptocurrency investor captive for over two weeks in a luxurious SoHo townhouse. The duo allegedly subjected the victim to a series of harrowing abuses in a bid to extract his bitcoin private keys.
A Gruesome Ordeal
The allegations paint a disturbing picture. According to court documents, the victim endured forced drug consumption, electrocution, and threats with a firearm. In a bizarre twist, the suspects reportedly created t-shirts emblazoned with images of the victim—complete with a crack pipe in his mouth—and took Polaroid shots with a gun pointed at his head. After a daring escape last Friday, the victim managed to flee with his laptop, seeking refuge with a nearby traffic officer.
Duplessie faces a litany of charges, including kidnapping with intent to collect ransom, assault with a weapon, and criminal possession of a loaded firearm. Woeltz, too, faces severe charges, including kidnapping and assault. In court, both men maintained their innocence.
NYPD’s Involvement
Here’s the catch: the investigation has widened to include the NYPD itself. Two officers, one of whom was part of Mayor Eric Adams’ protection detail, are now under scrutiny. These officers, who reportedly worked security for Duplessie and Woeltz during their off-duty hours, have been placed on modified duty. While sources indicate they might have transported the victim from the airport to the townhouse, there is no current evidence linking them directly to the torture.
The NYPD, in a carefully worded statement, acknowledged the ongoing internal review, underscoring the city’s expectation that all employees adhere to the law. Mayor Adams’ office echoed this sentiment, expressing deep concern over the officers’ alleged involvement and emphasizing swift action once the allegations surfaced.
Crypto Community on Edge
The incident has sent ripples through the cryptocurrency community—a world already teetering on the edge with its fair share of volatility and regulatory challenges. “This case underscores the extreme lengths to which criminals will go to exploit the perceived anonymity of cryptocurrency transactions,” says Angela Moore, a blockchain analyst based in Brooklyn. “It raises significant questions about security and the need for robust protective measures.”
Such events are a stark reminder of the darker side of digital currencies, where the promise of decentralization and privacy can sometimes be overshadowed by nefarious actors. The case also highlights the broader societal implications, as law enforcement grapples with the complex intersection of crime and digital assets.
Looking Ahead
The legal proceedings are set to continue, with the next court appearance slated for June 2025. As the investigation deepens, observers are keenly watching for any developments that might further implicate law enforcement or expose additional layers to this already convoluted saga.
For now, the crypto world watches with bated breath, aware that this case could set significant precedents in how digital asset-related crimes are prosecuted and investigated. The unfolding drama serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks in the crypto space, driving home the point that even in a digital age, the line between virtual wealth and physical danger can be alarmingly thin.
As this story develops, the hope remains that justice will prevail, bringing resolution to a case that has gripped both the crypto community and the public at large. Still, questions linger, particularly regarding the role of law enforcement and the potential for systemic vulnerabilities. The outcome could very well shape the narrative—and regulatory landscape—of cryptocurrency for years to come.
Source
This article is based on: Suspects in Manhattan Crypto Kidnapping, Torture Case Plead Not Guilty as Investigation Widens
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
