Suspects in Manhattan Crypto Kidnapping, Torture Case Plead Not Guilty as Investigation Widens

Two men have pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the kidnapping and torture of a 28-year-old Italian cryptocurrency investor. The incident has sparked an internal investigation within the New York Police Department (NYPD).

William Duplessie, 33, and John Woeltz, 37, were arrested by the NYPD along with Beatrice Folchi, 24, whose prosecution is currently deferred. The victim, who remains unnamed, was allegedly held hostage for over two weeks in a luxury Manhattan townhouse.

During this period, the suspects are accused of subjecting the victim to severe torture. Allegations include forced drug consumption, being dangled from a ledge, urination, and electrocution—all in an attempt to obtain his Bitcoin private keys. Further accusations include the creation of t-shirts depicting the victim with a crack pipe and Polaroids showing him with a gun to his head.

The victim escaped last Friday, securing his laptop before seeking help from a traffic officer. Duplessie faces five charges: kidnapping with intent to collect ransom, kidnapping causing physical injury, criminal possession of a loaded firearm, assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon, and unlawful imprisonment. Woeltz’s charges include kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm. Both pleaded not guilty.

The investigation has expanded to include two NYPD officers, one assigned to Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail. These officers, who worked off-duty for Duplessie and Woeltz, are currently on modified duty. While a source suggests their involvement may be limited to providing security services, potentially including transporting the victim from the airport to the townhouse, they are not currently implicated in the torture itself.

The NYPD has confirmed an internal review, while the Mayor’s office stated that all city employees, including officers, are expected to uphold the law both on and off duty. They expressed concern over the allegations and confirmed the officers’ modified duty status, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing. The specifics of the officers’ involvement remain under investigation.