Article Summary
A third suspect, William Duplessie, has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and torture of Italian cryptocurrency investor Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan in Manhattan. The incident, which occurred in May, involved Carturan being held captive for nearly three weeks in a townhouse where he was allegedly tortured to extract access to his bitcoin wallet. The case highlights a growing trend of physical attacks targeting cryptocurrency users, with similar incidents reported in France. Duplessie, along with two other suspects, faces charges of kidnapping, assault, and illegal gun possession.
What This Means for You
- Increased Security Awareness: Cryptocurrency holders should prioritize securing their digital assets with robust measures like hardware wallets and multi-factor authentication.
- Legal Protections: Victims of crypto-related crimes should report incidents immediately to law enforcement and seek legal counsel to protect their rights and assets.
- Global Trend: The rise in physical attacks on crypto users underscores the need for international cooperation in addressing such crimes.
- Future Outlook: As cryptocurrency adoption grows, expect increased scrutiny and regulation to prevent similar incidents.
Third Arrest Made in Manhattan Bitcoin Kidnapping and Torture Case
A man suspected of helping kidnap and torture an Italian cryptocurrency investor in a Manhattan townhouse has surrendered to New York City police.
William Duplessie turned himself in Tuesday after what officials described as days of negotiations with authorities, the New York Times reports.
He is the third suspect in an alleged plot to extract the keys to a bitcoin wallet belonging to Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, a crypto fund associate who said he was held captive and abused for nearly three weeks.
The ordeal began on May 6, when Carturan arrived at a 17-room townhouse on Prince Street in Manhattan’s NoLiTa neighborhood. He was set to reconnect with former fund partner John Woeltz, who, along with another associate Beatrice Folchi, allegedly ambushed him.
Police say the group attempted to force Carturan to surrender access to his crypto holdings, reportedly worth millions, through physical threats and psychological abuse.
According to law enforcement, Carturan was assaulted, suspended from the top floor of the five-story building, and held at gunpoint. He managed to escape and alert authorities nearly three weeks later.
The New York City Police Department case has drawn attention for its brutality and connection to a growing trend of physical attacks on crypto users.
In France, the daughter and grandson of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat were recently targeted in a failed kidnapping attempt captured on video. Earlier in the same city, a crypto millionaire’s father was abducted and had a finger severed before being rescued.
Another incident saw David Balland, co-founder of hardware wallet maker Ledger, and his wife kidnapped from their home. Authorities later rescued the couple and seized the ransom payment.
While Folchi has since been released and her prosecution deferred, Woeltz is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. Both Woeltz and Duplessie face kidnapping, assault and illegal gun possession charges.
An attorney representing Woeltz didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
People Also Ask About
- What is the Manhattan Bitcoin kidnapping case? It involves the abduction and torture of a crypto investor to extract access to his bitcoin wallet.
- Who are the suspects in the case? William Duplessie, John Woeltz, and Beatrice Folchi are the primary suspects.
- Why are crypto users targeted for kidnapping? Criminals target crypto users to gain access to valuable digital assets, which are often harder to trace than traditional money.
- What are the legal consequences for such crimes? Suspects face charges of kidnapping, assault, and illegal gun possession, with potential lengthy prison sentences.
- How can crypto users protect themselves? Use hardware wallets, multi-factor authentication, and avoid sharing sensitive information publicly.
Expert Opinion
This case underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the cryptocurrency space. As digital assets become more valuable, criminals are increasingly resorting to physical violence to exploit vulnerabilities. Regulatory frameworks and international cooperation must evolve to address these emerging threats effectively.
Key Terms
- Bitcoin kidnapping case
- Cryptocurrency security measures
- Physical attacks on crypto users
- Manhattan crypto crime
- Digital asset protection
- Cryptocurrency regulation
- Hardware wallet security
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