A crypto investor charged in New York City now faces multiple serious criminal allegations. Police arrested 37-year-old John Woeltz at his SoHo apartment.
When officers arrived, he was barefoot and wearing a white bathrobe. Authorities charged Woeltz with first-degree kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, two counts of second-degree assault, and criminal possession of a firearm.
In addition to Woeltz, police also arrested 24-year-old Beatrice Folchi in connection with the case. However, prosecutors have not yet decided whether to formally charge her. They continue to investigate her role and possible involvement.
The victim, an Italian tourist, traveled to New York City earlier this month. Prosecutors said Woeltz lured the victim to the apartment with a false promise that he could recover Bitcoin. Once inside, the victim endured weeks of brutal torture, according to court documents.
Investigators found that Woeltz shocked the victim with electric wires and cut his leg with a saw. Police recovered the saw from the apartment, along with other disturbing evidence. Additionally, the victim was forced to smoke crack cocaine during captivity.
Further evidence included chicken wire, ballistic helmets, night vision goggles, and photos depicting the victim under duress. Blood stains throughout the apartment confirmed physical abuse. At one point, Woeltz and an accomplice hung the victim over a stairwell while threatening to kill him if he didn’t hand over his Bitcoin password.
The suspects confiscated the victim’s electronics and passport, threatening harm to his family if he did not comply. The victim managed to escape when Woeltz left to retrieve a laptop containing the password. Barefoot and bloodied, the victim flagged down a traffic officer and called for help.
Woeltz, originally from Kentucky, rents the upscale SoHo apartment for tens of thousands of dollars each month. Neighbors described chaotic scenes, including heavy police presence and a SWAT team response. Witnesses reported hearing screams and seeing officers rushing into the building.
Two household staff members at the residence also cooperated with investigators. Police continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses as they build their case. Prosecutors emphasized the gravity of the charges against the crypto investor charged in this case, highlighting the dangerous potential for crime in the digital currency world.
This case raises concerns about the safety risks surrounding cryptocurrency, as criminals exploit its complexity to commit violent crimes. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing justice.
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