TechFlow news, June 12 — According to Fortune, two cryptocurrency investors, William Duplessie (32) and John Woeltz (37), were arrested and formally charged over allegations of kidnapping a 28-year-old Italian man to obtain his Bitcoin. They will remain in custody until their next court appearance on July 15.
Prosecutors allege the pair held the victim captive for 17 days in a luxury Manhattan SoHo residence, subjecting him to torture including electric shocks and threats with a chainsaw. However, defense attorneys countered in court on Wednesday, presenting videos and photos showing the alleged "victim" smiling during group sexual activities, using cocaine, and freely visiting churches, clubs, and restaurants during that period.
Prosecutors responded that these were selectively leaked pieces of evidence by the suspects. Police found items supporting the victim's account during a search of the residence, including a handgun loaded with bullets and a chainsaw. If convicted, the two suspects face life imprisonment.
The investigation is ongoing, and prosecutors say this may not be the first time the two have committed such crimes.
Earlier report: New York police have arrested a third suspect, William Duplessie, in connection with the Bitcoin investor kidnapping case. The suspect faces charges including first-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a weapon.
