Crypto Investor Arrested in NYC for Kidnapping, Torture of Italian Tourist

John Woeltz, a 37-year-old crypto entrepreneur from Kentucky, was arrested in New York City after an Italian tourist escaped weeks of captivity and torture in Woeltz's luxury SoHo apartment. The victim, who arrived from Italy on May 6, was held against his will, had his passport seized, and endured physical abuse including being bound, tasered, pistol-whipped, and forced to ingest cocaine. Police discovered multiple Polaroid photos documenting the torture, along with a firearm and various torture instruments in the residence, which Woeltz rented for $30,000 to $40,000 per month. The victim managed to escape by flagging down a traffic enforcement officer, and was hospitalized in stable condition. Authorities are investigating the possibility that the victim was forced into sex work or sex slavery and are also questioning a butler employed at the residence. Woeltz has a background in blockchain technology and crypto investment, having been involved in Ethereum hackathons and state-level blockchain initiatives in Kentucky.