In an unbelievable twist of events, an Italian tourist endured nearly three weeks of torture inside a high-end SoHo townhouse in Manhattan — all because his captors wanted access to his cryptocurrency. The incident is drawing widespread attention, not just because of the horrifying abuse involved, but also because it highlights the dark underbelly of the booming digital currency world.
SoHo, famous for its posh art galleries and upscale lofts, was the last place anyone would expect such a crime to occur. But that’s where the unnamed 28-year-old Italian visitor found himself in a terrifying nightmare.
He arrived in New York on May 6 and went to the home of John Woeltz, a Kentucky-based crypto investor. Instead of being welcomed, he was allegedly imprisoned. His passport was taken, and for the next 17 days, he was kept in the house against his will.
Inside the Gruesome Ordeal
Tortured for a Password
During his captivity, the tourist endured extreme abuse. According to police reports, he was dangled off a roof, shocked with electrical wires, beaten with weapons, and even threatened with a chainsaw. The suspects demanded access to his Bitcoin wallet — something they were determined to get by any means necessary.
He was reportedly also forced to smoke crack cocaine and had a gun held to his head. The threats became even more terrifying when the attackers warned they would hurt his family if he didn’t cooperate.
Eventually, he pretended to give in, agreeing to provide his wallet password. As the suspects went to retrieve his laptop, he saw his chance. Despite being barefoot and injured, he made a run for it and escaped into the streets of Manhattan.
What the Police Found
After his escape, the police searched the luxury townhouse and discovered disturbing evidence — including Polaroid photographs of the man tied up and visibly tortured. Firearms and drugs were also recovered from the property. All signs pointed to a meticulously planned and cruel plot.
Suspects in Custody, Questions Loom
Two Men Behind Bars
The first arrest came quickly. John Woeltz, the crypto investor renting the lavish eight-bedroom home, was taken into custody soon after the victim’s escape. He reportedly paid between $30,000 and $40,000 a month for the property — further emphasizing the luxury surrounding this horrific crime.
Days later, Woeltz’s alleged accomplice, William Duplessie, turned himself in to authorities. His legal team insists his involvement is questionable and argued for his release on $1 million bail. They even offered that he stay with his father in Florida until trial. The judge, however, denied the request, citing the seriousness of the charges.
Both men now face multiple counts, including kidnapping for ransom, assault, and unlawful imprisonment. Prosecutors have also highlighted that Woeltz has access to a private jet and helicopter — making him a significant flight risk. He too was denied bail.
A Third Person and an Ongoing Investigation
A woman was also arrested during the course of the investigation, but prosecutors ultimately chose not to file charges against her. Whether she played any role in the ordeal remains unclear.
As the case moves forward, the spotlight is not only on the two main suspects but also on how easily a crypto investor could become a target of such extreme criminal acts.
Crypto Wealth: The New Magnet for Criminals
Across the globe, stories like this are becoming alarmingly common. In France, authorities recently arrested over 20 people suspected of orchestrating kidnapping plots targeting crypto entrepreneurs and their families. One case involved a failed abduction in Nantes, while another involved an attempt to kidnap a woman and her child in Paris.
Experts in cyber-crime warn that this is just the beginning. According to attorney David Seltzer, these crimes are becoming a “thing” because criminals view them as modern-day bank robberies — only easier and more discreet. By coercing victims into revealing digital wallet access, criminals can instantly steal vast amounts of money that are nearly impossible to trace or recover.
Unlike traditional money or property, cryptocurrency is stored digitally and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. That convenience is what makes it so attractive — and so dangerous.
What This Case Teaches Us About Staying Safe
This disturbing incident sends a powerful message: digital assets may be intangible, but the risks they carry are all too real.
Many in the crypto community travel for meetings, business deals, or networking. But in doing so, they might unknowingly put themselves in dangerous situations. Here are a few important takeaways from this case:
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Never share your wallet credentials or private keys with anyone you don’t trust completely.
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If you’re traveling, make sure someone knows your exact whereabouts.
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Avoid showing off your crypto holdings online — it might make you a target.
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Meet business partners in public places, especially if it’s your first time interacting in person.
Luxury surroundings don’t guarantee safety. As this case shows, even million-dollar properties in affluent areas can hide the darkest of secrets.
The New Face of Digital Crime
As cryptocurrency continues to gain popularity, we’re likely to see more of these kinds of cases. While digital currency offers incredible freedom and innovation, it also comes with a new wave of criminal threats that demand serious attention.
Crypto owners, especially those with significant holdings, need to be more security-conscious than ever. That includes both digital security and personal safety. Strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and secure storage aren’t enough if someone is willing to go to violent lengths to get what they want.
This shocking crime in Manhattan is more than just a headline — it’s a wake-up call for the crypto world. The money may be virtual, but the danger is all too real.
Final Summary: A Harrowing Wake-Up Call
What happened in that Manhattan townhouse isn’t just a story of greed and violence — it’s a glimpse into the darker realities of the modern financial landscape. A young tourist, drawn into a dangerous trap, survived unspeakable abuse simply because of the value of his digital wallet.
As cryptocurrency grows, so do the risks. The lesson here is clear: being smart about your crypto isn’t just about protecting your assets. It’s about protecting yourself.
Stay alert. Stay cautious. And never forget — when it comes to digital money, the stakes can be painfully human.
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