NYPD Officers Under Scrutiny in Crypto Torture Case as Bitcoin Investor Escapes from Horror-Filled Townhouse
NYPD modifies the assignments of two officers amid an internal review linked to a crypto millionaire's torturers.
Two New York Police Department officers are facing internal scrutiny amid allegations of involvement in a disturbing case of torture and kidnapping that unfolded in the upscale SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan. The NYPD confirmed that both officers, identified as detectives, have been placed on modified duty while an internal investigation is underway.
The unfolding scandal centers on the brutal abduction and prolonged torture of a 22-year-old Italian cryptocurrency millionaire, who was reportedly lured to a luxurious townhouse shortly after arriving in New York City. According to information released by authorities, one detective is suspected of transporting the victim from the airport directly to the crime scene, while the other is alleged to have collaborated with the primary suspects in actions beyond his official capacity.
Investigators say the young businessman was held captive by two men, John Woeltz, 37, and William Duplessie, 33, who had previously partnered with him in cryptocurrency ventures. The ordeal began on May 6 and lasted nearly three weeks during which the victim was subjected to harrowing abuse. Prosecutors allege he was shocked with electric wires, beaten with a firearm, threatened at gunpoint, and even dangled precariously over a second-floor ledge. The attackers reportedly demanded access to his Bitcoin holdings, seeking his digital wallet password by force.
The traumatized victim eventually managed a daring escape, running from the townhouse to flag down a passing traffic officer. His rescue swiftly led to the apprehension of Woeltz, who was arrested immediately after the victim’s escape. Duplessie, the second suspect, turned himself in days later and appeared in a Manhattan courtroom where he now awaits indictment while being held without bail.
Both men face multiple felony charges, including first-degree kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm—charges that reflect the severity and premeditation of the acts committed. Court documents reveal that police recovered evidence corroborating the victim’s account, underscoring the calculated nature of the crime.
As the internal review continues, the spotlight on the two implicated detectives—one of whom reportedly served on Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail—has intensified scrutiny of law enforcement conduct and oversight. The NYPD has pledged transparency as it investigates whether any members of its ranks facilitated or failed to prevent this shocking crime. Officials emphasized that any proven misconduct will be met with appropriate disciplinary action.
This high-profile case has sent shockwaves through the city’s law enforcement community and the broader public, raising fresh concerns about the intersection of burgeoning cryptocurrency fortunes and sophisticated criminal schemes. As new details emerge, the city awaits clarity on both the judicial process for the accused and the administrative outcomes for the officers under investigation.
