Key Takeaways
- In line with a legal criticism, the person was tied up with electrical cords, overwhelmed, pistol-whipped, shocked whereas his ft have been submerged in water, and slashed with a chainsaw
- Investigators declare Woeltz and not less than one confederate tried to drive the sufferer to disclose his Bitcoin password, going as far as to {photograph} the abuse
A 28-year-old Italian nationwide was allegedly held hostage and tortured for over two weeks inside a rented Manhattan townhouse by a U.S. crypto investor demanding entry to his Bitcoin pockets. The incident, which unfolded in New York Metropolis’s upscale SoHo neighborhood, got here to gentle after the sufferer escaped and alerted police.
Authorities say the person arrived within the U.S. on Could 6 for a gathering with 37-year-old John Woeltz, a crypto investor from Kentucky. Shortly after reaching the townhouse—rented for $30,000 to $40,000 per thirty days—he was allegedly stripped of his passport and units, then detained in opposition to his will.
In line with a legal criticism, the person was tied up with electrical cords, overwhelmed, pistol-whipped, shocked whereas his ft have been submerged in water, and slashed with a chainsaw. Investigators declare Woeltz and not less than one confederate tried to drive the sufferer to disclose his Bitcoin password, going as far as to {photograph} the abuse. One Polaroid reportedly confirmed the person sure to a chair with a firearm aimed toward his head.
An Apple AirTag was allegedly positioned round his neck to observe him. The person ultimately escaped on Could 24, telling police he feared for his life and believed he can be killed that day. He was hospitalized with accidents, together with a chainsaw wound on his arm.
Woeltz was arrested shortly afterward. Witnesses informed the New York Put up they’d suspected one thing uncommon on the property however had no concept the townhouse was the scene of a chronic abduction.
The suspect was arraigned on Saturday in Manhattan legal court docket and entered a not responsible plea to felony counts together with kidnapping for ransom, assault, illegal imprisonment, and legal possession of a weapon. Prosecutors famous Woeltz’s entry to a personal jet and helicopter; the decide ordered him held with out bail and required the give up of his passport.
Legislation enforcement sources say the investigation stays energetic, with efforts underway to find extra suspects.
