The cryptographic investor in Manhattan is facing sedate allegations after alleged kidnapping and torture of an Italian man in a disturbing offer of access to digital assets.
37 -year -old John Woeltz was accused on Saturday at the Manhattan criminal court after arrest on Friday. He is accused of keeping a 28-year-old Italian man in captivity for weeks in a luxurious tenement house in Soho, supposedly rented for 30,000 USD per month.
According to police reports quoted By the Fresh York Times the victim came to the USA on May 6 and was allegedly kidnapped by Woeltz and a partner.
It is said that the attackers stole the man’s passport and electronic devices before they demanded the Bitcoin (BTC) wallet password. When he refused, the suspects allegedly subject him to the prolonged physical abuse.
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Cryptographic sacrifice beaten, Electroshocked
The victim described that she is beaten, shocked by electricity, attacked with firearms, and even hanging from the upper floors of a five -story building.
He also told the police that Woeltz used a saw to cut his leg and forced him to smoke cocaine. Apparently, threats were also taken against his family.
Photographic evidence found inside real estate, including polaroids, seems to support claims for eternal abuse. The victims managed to escape on Friday and warn the authorities, which led to the arrest of Woeltz.
Woeltz was accused of four number of crimes, including kidnapping of ransom, and started to innocence. Judge Eric Schumacher ordered him to keep without a deposit. He is expected in court on May 28.
A 24-year-old woman was also arrested on Friday in connection with the incident. However, the next day she was easily seen in Fresh York and no accusations against her were found in the court’s database.
The authorities still have to explain the relationship between the suspect and the victim or whether any cryptocurrency has been stolen.
Related: Crypto Crime goes industrial when gangs introduce coins, washing billions – Un
Cryptographic management addresses bodyguards
Management and investors in the cryptographic industry are increasingly looking for personal security services as he increases the kidnapping and ransom, especially in France.
On May 18, a private company based in Amsterdam Infinite Risks International reported an raise in applications for bodyguards and long -term protection agreements from noisy characters in space.
The French authorities responded by introducing increased protection of cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families, including security briefings and priority access to police support.
This happens in the midst of a recent growth of kidnapping and ransom attempts. David Balland, co -founder of Portfeme Company Ledger, was kidnapped in January 2025 and intended by the French police for several days.
In May 2024, the father of an unnamed crypt entrepreneur was released from a ransom attempt after French law enforcement officers attacked the location in the suburbs of Paris, where the person was hostages by organized criminals.
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