Two NYPD Detectives on Leave over Ties to Manhattan Crypto Kidnapping

Two NYPD detectives have been placed on modified duty or administrative leave after it was revealed they had off-duty security ties to suspects involved in a high-profile cryptocurrency kidnapping and torture case in a Manhattan SoHo townhouse. One detective, part of Mayor Eric Adams' security detail, reportedly drove the victim, an Italian tourist, from the airport to the location where he was held captive for 17 days and tortured in an attempt to extract Bitcoin wallet passwords. Both detectives were moonlighting as private security for the suspects without proper NYPD authorization, prompting an Internal Affairs investigation into the duration and approval of their employment. Authorities emphasize that there is currently no evidence the detectives knew of or participated in the illegal activities, and Mayor Adams was not connected to the suspects. Prosecutors have charged cryptocurrency investors John Woeltz and William Duplessie with kidnapping and torture, with the victim subjected to electric shocks, physical injuries, and forced drug use. The NYPD and city officials have expressed disturbance over the detectives' involvement and reinforced expectations that all city employees follow the law on and off duty.