Three Arrested in New York for Kidnapping, Torturing Italian Crypto Investor

Three suspects, John Woeltz, William Duplessie, and Beatrice Folchi, were arrested in New York for the kidnapping and torture of 28-year-old Italian cryptocurrency millionaire Michele Valentino Teofrasto Carturan. The victim was held captive for nearly three weeks in a Manhattan townhouse and tortured, including being electrocuted, beaten, and threatened at gunpoint, as the suspects sought access to his Bitcoin wallet worth about $100 million. Woeltz and Duplessie face multiple charges including kidnapping, assault, and unlawful imprisonment, while Folchi was initially charged but later released pending further investigation. Carturan managed to escape after being brutally tortured, allowing authorities to uncover the crime. This case reflects a disturbing trend of violent crimes targeting cryptocurrency holders, with similar kidnappings reported recently in France and other locations. The arrests highlight growing concerns over the security risks faced by individuals with significant crypto assets.