Two men accused of kidnapping an Italian cryptocurrency trader now face additional allegations of holding other victims captive, as horrific details of torture emerge in a Manhattan courtroom.

At a Glance

• John Woeltz and William Duplessie pleaded not guilty to kidnapping an Italian millionaire for his Bitcoin password
• Prosecutors revealed the pair allegedly held two additional victims against their will prior to this incident
• The Italian victim was reportedly held captive for nearly three weeks in a rented townhouse
• Court evidence includes disturbing claims that captors poured tequila on the victim, set him on fire, and extinguished flames by urinating on him
• The victim managed to escape on May 23 without sustaining burn injuries

Shocking New Allegations in Cryptocurrency Kidnapping Case

John Woeltz and William Duplessie appeared in Manhattan Supreme Court to face charges related to the kidnapping and torture of an Italian cryptocurrency trader. The defendants entered not guilty pleas as prosecutors revealed disturbing new details about the case. According to court documents, the pair allegedly targeted Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, an Italian millionaire, in an attempt to extract his Bitcoin password through violent means. The case has sent shockwaves through both legal circles and the cryptocurrency community.

In a significant development, Manhattan prosecutors revealed that Woeltz and Duplessie allegedly held two other victims against their will prior to the incident with Carturan. This pattern of behavior suggests the defendants may have been systematically targeting individuals within the cryptocurrency space. Authorities have not yet released detailed information about these additional victims, but the revelation adds considerable weight to the prosecution’s case against the two men. Legal experts note that evidence of prior similar acts could potentially influence both the trial proceedings and eventual sentencing if convictions are secured.

Details of the Three-Week Ordeal

Court documents describe a harrowing three-week captivity for Carturan, who was allegedly held in a rented townhouse by the defendants. The Italian trader reportedly endured various forms of torture aimed at forcing him to reveal his cryptocurrency passwords. Among the most disturbing evidence presented in court was a graphic photograph allegedly showing the defendants setting their captive on fire. Prosecutors stated that this was part of a systematic campaign of physical and psychological abuse designed to break the victim’s resistance.

The prosecution detailed how the captors allegedly poured tequila over Carturan, set him alight, and then extinguished the flames by urinating on him. This particularly degrading act was apparently just one of many torments inflicted during the extended period of captivity. Despite the severity of these alleged actions, medical reports indicate that Carturan managed to escape on May 23 without sustaining significant burn injuries, though the psychological trauma from such an ordeal would likely be substantial.

Legal Proceedings and Defense Response

The defendants’ legal team has maintained their clients’ innocence despite the mounting evidence against them. During the arraignment in Manhattan Supreme Court, both Woeltz and Duplessie entered not guilty pleas to the kidnapping charges. Their attorneys have not yet publicly addressed the specific allegations regarding torture or the claims about additional victims. The judge ordered both defendants to remain in custody without bail, citing the severity of the charges and potential flight risk.

Prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office have indicated they possess substantial evidence beyond victim testimony, including digital records, photographs, and physical evidence recovered from the townhouse where Carturan was allegedly held. The investigation continues as authorities work to build their case against the defendants and potentially uncover additional details about the other alleged victims. The case highlights growing concerns about criminal targeting of cryptocurrency holders, who may possess substantial digital wealth that can be difficult to trace if stolen.