Italian crypto torture victim came to NYC to reclaim stolen Bitcoin…

May 29, 2025

The pair of hard-partying crypto bros accused of sadistically torturing an Italian millionaire lured him to New York City with the promise of returning Bitcoin they had allegedly stolen from him — only to then keep him hostage for weeks in a twisted bid to siphon the rest, prosecutors alleged.

Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, 28, had been forced to cough up the Bitcoin after John Woeltz and William Duplessie allegedly threatened to kill his family, Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Amanda Blott revealed in court this week.

The crypto crooks then allegedly told Carturan — who is worth some $30 million — he’d have to come back to the Big Apple if he wanted them to return the e-currency.

Carturan, who is from Turin, was picked up from the airport by an off-duty NYPD detective doing security on the side, and brought to the duo’s 8-bedroom Prince Street home on May 6, according to sources and prosecutors.

Woeltz and Duplessie allegedly grabbed his passport and cell phone and tied him to a chair, prosecutors said.

Carturan was imprisoned in the SoHo house of horrors and brutalized for 17 horrific days — until he broke free over the weekend, prosecutors said.

The new details of the shocking torture case were revealed as Duplessie was arraigned in the case, and as prosecutors revealed Thursday they had secured an indictment against Woeltz, who was busted May 23 when Carturan made his escape.

Prosecutors said Italian crypto trader Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan wanted to recoup his stolen bitcoin. WNBC
Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan was held in a SoHo townhouse and tortured for nearly three weeks, cops said. James Keivom

Sources also said that the cop who picked Carturan up at the airport and brought him to the SoHo pad had served as a member of Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail — and has now been placed on modified duty.

A police search of the spacious townhouse uncovered Polaroid pics of the Italian trader’s torment, including one with a crack pipe shoved in his mount while being held down, and another showing him with a gun pointed at his head, the DA’s office said.

John Woeltz, the Crypto King of Kentucky, is charged with kidnapping an torturing an Italian bitcoin dealer in SoHo. Michael Nagle
Crypto millionaire William Duplessie is charged with kidnapping and torturing an Italian bicoin dealer in a SoHo house.. William Miller

Woeltz, 33, and Duplessie, 37, allegedly threatened to kill Carturan’s family again, and warned him that if he escaped they would track him down and kill him while demanding his bitcoin password.

Finally, after being dangled from the top of a staircase, Carturan agreed to provide his password, but fled to freedom when Woeltz allegedly went to fetch his laptop, prosecutors revealed.

Woeltz was quickly arrested at the SoHo home, while Duplessie turned himself in Tuesday after partying it up in the Hamptons over the weekend, law-enforcement sources said.

In court, Manhattan prosecutors said cops searched the townhouse and found a chainsaw, crack, body armor, night vision goggles, ballistic helmets, a gun with ammunition, and an array of photos of Carturan’s harrowing weeks-long ordeal.

Prosecutors said Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan wanted to reclaim his stolen bitcoing when he was imprisoned.. Paul Martinka

According to sources, Woeltz, dubbed the “Crypto King of Kentucky,” and the hulking Duplessie lived a pricey party lifestyle, boozing it up at high-end Manhattan night spots and hosting all-night raves inside the rented SoHo townhouse.

Carturan was taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment after breaking free.

In court Thursday, Woeltz’s lawyer argued for his client to be released on a $2 million bond, claiming reports that his client owned a private jet and a chopper was not true.

“He has never been arrested before,” attorney Wayne Gosnell said. “He’s a 37-year-old man with no prior criminal history. He’s a college graduate with a degree in philosophy. He’s been very successful in the technology world. He’s been supportive of his friends and family.

Beatrice Folchi, John Woeltz’s assistant, was arrested but released after the SoHo torture arrests. Khristina Narizhnaya/NY Post

“They are all committed in seeing him fight this case,” Gosnell added.

Not swayed, Judge Kevin McGrath ordered him held without bail pending a return appearance June 11.

Kayla Mamelak Altus, Adams’ press secretary, said the mayor’s office was “disturbed” by the allegations.

“Every city employee is expected to follow the law, including our officers, both on and off duty. We are disturbed by these allegations, and as soon as it came to our attention, the officers were placed on modified duty. The investigation is ongoing,” she said in a statement.

Italian bitcoin dealer escapes torture.
Prosecutors said Italian crypto trader Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan wanted to recoup his stolen bitcoin. WNBC
Police at SoHo torture townhouse.
Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan was held in a SoHo townhouse and tortured for nearly three weeks, cops said. James Keivom
Accused torturer John Woeltz.
John Woeltz, the Crypto King of Kentucky, is charged with kidnapping an torturing an Italian bitcoin dealer in SoHo. Michael Nagle
Accused kidnapper William Duplessie.
Crypto millionaire William Duplessie is charged with kidnapping and torturing an Italian bicoin dealer in a SoHo house.. William Miller
Cops at SoHo torture townhouse.
Prosecutors said Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan wanted to reclaim his stolen bitcoing when he was imprisoned.. Paul Martinka
Beatrice Folchi.
Beatrice Folchi, John Woeltz’s assistant, was arrested but released after the SoHo torture arrests. Khristina Narizhnaya/NY Post

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