Introduction to the Crypto Torture Case
A second man charged in the kidnapping and torture of an Italian man for his Bitcoin has been indicted.
A Manhattan grand jury handed up the indictment Friday against William Duplessie, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office. The indictment will remain sealed until his arraignment June 11.
Charges Against William Duplessie
Duplessie, 32, faces charges of kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment and criminal possession of a weapon, police have said. His lawyer, in an email, declined to comment on the indictment.
The Alleged Crime
Prosecutors say Duplessie and fellow crypto investor John Woeltz, 37, lured the victim to a posh townhouse in Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood on May 6 by threatening to kill his family. The man, a 28-year-old Italian national who has not been named by officials, said he was then held captive for 17 days, as the two investors tormented him with electrical wires, forced him to smoke from a crack pipe and at one point dangled him from a staircase five stories high.
The Victim’s Ordeal
He eventually agreed to hand over his computer password Friday morning, then managed to flee the home as his captors went to retrieve the device. The grand jury decision followed Duplessie’s brief appearance Friday morning in Manhattan court. A judge reminded him a protective order was still in effect, though he didn’t name who it was concerning.
Court Appearance and Custody
Duplessie, who is listed as a founder or investor at various blockchain-based companies, was escorted in handcuffs and wore a prison jumpsuit. He didn’t address the court. Both Duplessie and Woeltz remain in custody.
Investigation of NYPD Detectives
New York City police are also investigating two detectives who worked security at the upscale Manhattan townhouse where the man says he was kidnapped and tortured. The detectives have been placed on modified leave pending the outcome of the inquiry. A lawyer for the labor union representing NYPD detectives said there’s “absolutely no indication” either officer witnessed any of the alleged illegal activity.
Conclusion
The indictment of William Duplessie marks a significant development in the alleged crypto torture case. The details of the case are disturbing, and the investigation is ongoing. The fact that two NYPD detectives are also under investigation adds another layer of complexity to the case.
FAQs
- Who is William Duplessie?
William Duplessie is a 32-year-old man who has been indicted in connection with the kidnapping and torture of an Italian man for his Bitcoin. - What are the charges against William Duplessie?
Duplessie faces charges of kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a weapon. - How long was the victim held captive?
The victim was held captive for 17 days. - Are the two NYPD detectives suspected of being involved in the crime?
There is currently no indication that the two detectives witnessed any of the alleged illegal activity, but they have been placed on modified leave pending the outcome of the inquiry. - What is the current status of William Duplessie and John Woeltz?
Both Duplessie and Woeltz remain in custody.
