Second Attacker Captured in Alleged Cryptocurrency Torture Case

In a shocking series of events, authorities apprehended a second suspect linked to the horrifying torture of a traveler in a luxurious Manhattan residence.

William Duplessie, 32, surrendered to authorities on Tuesday, joining his alleged accomplice who was arrested a week earlier. They are both charged with kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and other crimes related to the alleged torture of an unnamed Italian tourist. The victim reported being subjected to heinous acts, including being dangled from a roof, electrocuted, and assaulted with a chainsaw, as his captors demanded access to his Bitcoin wallet.

The pair of suspects, Duplessie and John Woeltz, 37, who was apprehended last week, allegedly confined their victim for nearly three weeks in a high-end SoHo residence rented for $30,000 to $40,000 a month. The torture came to light when the victim managed to escape on Friday, bloodied and barefoot after he feigned compliance. He reported to police that he was held at gunpoint, physically assaulted, and subjected to threats against his family during his captivity.

Investigators found evidence of the alleged torture, including Polaroid photos documenting the abuse, firearms, and illicit drugs, upon searching the SoHo home. In a related crackdown in France, authorities arrested over 20 individuals tied to a broader scheme of kidnapping attempts against cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families, indicating a worrying trend in such crimes.

David Seltzer, a criminal defense attorney with a focus on cyber-crime, commented on the increasing frequency of these crimes, stating, "People believe kidnapping for crypto access is an easier way to make money than traditional bank robbery." As law enforcement continues to tackle these crimes, the recent events highlight growing concerns over the safety of individuals involved in cryptocurrency.