Third Detention of Individual Linked to Prominent Kidnapping of Bitcoin Tycoon in New York
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In the Headlines
A thrilling manhunt has come to an end in New York City, leading to the arrest of three individuals involved in a gruesome kidnapping ordeal.
The Kidnapping Saga
The NYPD brought in William Duplessie, 33, on Tuesday, concluding a lengthy search for those behind the violent kidnapping of an unidentified 28-year-old Italian businessman. Duplessie is accused of teaming up with John Woeltz to abduct the victim, hold him captive in an upscale Manhattan apartment, and subject him to torture through electric shocks, physical assaults, and firearm threats, all in an attempt to obtain his Bitcoin password.
Duplessie now faces charges of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault, unlawful imprisonment, and weapons possession, while Woeltz, 37, who goes by the moniker "the crypto king of Kentucky," has been charged with kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and weapons possession as well.
The Arrests
Beatrice Folchi, allegedly Woeltz's assistant, was arrested on Friday and charged with first-degree kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment, but due to the Manhattan District Attorney declining to prosecute pending further investigation, she was released.
The Tortured Path to Justice
Authorities have not disclosed whether Duplessie has legal representation or if the kidnapping is connected to a broader criminal ring. The New York City bitcoin kidnapping case is just one of many instances of digital asset holders becoming targets for abduction, extortion, and violence.
French police recently arrested 12 suspects in connection with two crypto-related kidnappings in Paris earlier this month, including the father of a crypto entrepreneur, while Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife were abducted in January, with the kidnappers severing Balland's finger as proof of the crime.
The Current State
If convicted on all charges in New York, Duplessie and Woeltz could face a minimum of 15 years to life in prison. Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
Penned by Sebastian Sinclair
Daily Debrief Newsletter
Background
- William Duplessie, 33, is the suspect under arrest for kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and weapons possession.
- Turned himself in on May 27 and pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.
- Legal counsel disputes the facts of the case, and bail was denied.
- John Woeltz, 37, is the "crypto king of Kentucky" and is also charged in the case.
- Faces charges of kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and weapons possession.
- Remains in custody, as he has access to a private jet and helicopter, potentially posing a risk of fleeing.
- A sealed indictment is pending further proceedings.
- Beatrice Folchi (name subject to confirmation) was also involved in the case.
- Arrested for kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment, but released due to the Manhattan District Attorney declining to pursue the case pending further investigation.
- The digital asset world took a turn for the worse as a suspected Bitcoin kidnapping case unfolded in New York, raising concerns about the security of cryptocurrency wallets.
- The alleged kidnapper, William Duplessie, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, with his legal counsel disputing the facts of the case and bail being denied.
- Another key suspect in this case, John Woeltz, nicknamed "the crypto king of Kentucky," is still in custody due to his access to a private jet and helicopter, increasing the risk of him fleeing.
- In a related development, a sealed indictment is pending for Woeltz, suggesting that further proceedings may lead to additional charges.
- The general-news landscape has been peppered with crypto-related crimes recently, as evidenced by the arrests of 12 suspects in Paris for two cryptocurrency kidnappings and the abduction of Ledger co-founder David Balland, who had his finger severed by the kidnappers.
