John Woeltz, a 37-year-old cryptocurrency investor, posted $1 million bail on July 23, 2025. He faces charges of kidnapping and torturing an Italian millionaire in New York City.
Woeltz and William Duplessie, 33, allegedly held Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, a 28-year-old Italian crypto trader, captive for 17 days in a luxury SoHo townhouse. They aimed to steal his Bitcoin password.
Prosecutors say the men beat Carturan, shocked him with electric wires, and threatened to kill him. Carturan escaped on May 23, 2025, and contacted police. Authorities found Polaroid photos of the abuse, a gun, and drugs in the townhouse.
Woeltz and Duplessie face charges of kidnapping, assault, and unlawful imprisonment. Both pleaded not guilty.
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro granted bail with conditions. Woeltz and Duplessie must stay under home confinement, wear electronic monitors, and surrender their passports. They cannot pay bail using cryptocurrency.
Prosecutors opposed bail, citing a manifesto found in Woeltz’s Kentucky cabin that described plans to steal crypto from foreigners. The trial date is pending.
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