NEW YORK CITY — A third suspect has been arrested in the gruesome kidnapping and torture of an Italian cryptocurrency investor in Manhattan, marking a disturbing escalation in the growing wave of violent attacks targeting crypto users.
William Duplessie Surrenders in Bitcoin Extortion Plot
William Duplessie, the latest suspect in the case, surrendered to the New York City Police Department on Tuesday following days of negotiations. He is accused of aiding in the abduction and prolonged abuse of Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, a cryptocurrency investor and former fund partner of one of the attackers.
According to law enforcement, the 41-year-old Carturan was lured to a 17-room townhouse on Prince Street in NoLiTa on May 6 under the pretense of reconnecting with his former business partner, John Woeltz. There, Carturan was allegedly ambushed by Woeltz and accomplice Beatrice Folchi, later joined by Duplessie.
Assault to Extract Bitcoin Wallet Keys
The motive behind the attack was reportedly to extract access to Carturan’s Bitcoin wallet, which holds millions of dollars in cryptocurrency. Authorities say Carturan was tortured, suspended from the upper floor, and held at gunpoint over the course of nearly three weeks.
Carturan eventually escaped and contacted police, launching an investigation that has shocked both the public and the crypto community.
“This case represents a new level of threat where physical violence is used to extract digital wealth,” said a NYPD spokesperson.
Rising Wave of Physical Crypto Attacks
This incident follows a disturbing trend of physical violence targeting cryptocurrency holders. In France, the family members of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat were nearly abducted, and in a separate case, a crypto millionaire’s father had a finger severed during a ransom plot.
In yet another high-profile attack, Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife were kidnapped from their home. Authorities later rescued them and recovered the Bitcoin ransom.
Legal Proceedings and Fallout
Woeltz, who faces multiple felony charges including kidnapping, assault, and illegal weapons possession, is due in court on Wednesday. Duplessie now faces the same charges. Meanwhile, Folchi has been released with deferred prosecution.
This case adds urgency to calls for stronger security and legal protections for crypto investors, especially as the industry grows and becomes a bigger target for criminals.