Third Arrest Made in Manhattan Bitcoin Kidnapping, Torture Case
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has arrested William Duplessie, a suspect in the kidnapping and torture of Italian cryptocurrency investor Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan. Duplessie surrendered himself after days of negotiations with authorities, becoming the third suspect apprehended in the case.
The incident unfolded on May 6th when Carturan arrived at a Manhattan townhouse to meet with former business partners, John Woeltz and Beatrice Folchi. Instead of a business meeting, he was allegedly ambushed. Police allege that Woeltz and Folchi, along with Duplessie, held Carturan captive for nearly three weeks in an attempt to force him to reveal access to his cryptocurrency holdings, valued in the millions.
During his captivity, Carturan endured severe abuse. Law enforcement reports detail physical assaults, threats with firearms, and even an incident where he was suspended from the upper floors of the five-story building. After approximately three weeks, Carturan managed to escape and contact authorities.
This case highlights a disturbing trend of violent crimes targeting cryptocurrency users. The brutality of the alleged acts has drawn significant attention. Similar incidents have been reported internationally, underscoring the risks associated with significant cryptocurrency holdings. In France, for instance, there have been several high-profile kidnapping attempts targeting individuals within the cryptocurrency industry, including the family members of a CEO and a hardware wallet co-founder. These incidents involved failed kidnapping attempts, ransom demands, and in one case, the severing of a victim’s finger.
The New York case underscores the growing concerns about the vulnerability of individuals involved in cryptocurrency. The charges against Woeltz and Duplessie include kidnapping, assault, and illegal gun possession. Folchi, initially arrested, has been released and her prosecution deferred. Woeltz is scheduled for a court appearance. The ongoing investigations emphasize the need for heightened security measures within the cryptocurrency community and underscore the significant risks associated with this rapidly evolving financial landscape.
