NYPD detectives, including a member of Mayor Eric Adams' security detail, have been placed on modified duty amid an investigation into their alleged connections to a crypto torture and kidnapping case. The probe centers on their off-duty security work for individuals now charged with torturing an Italian tourist for Bitcoin passwords. This development raises significant questions about police conduct and oversight of private security gigs.
NYPD Officers Under Scrutiny
Two New York Police Department detectives, Roberto Cordero and Raymond J. Low, have been placed on modified duty following revelations of their involvement in providing security at a Manhattan townhouse linked to a cryptocurrency torture case. Detective Cordero, a 20-year veteran who served on Mayor Eric Adams' security detail, allegedly transported the victim from the airport to the townhouse where he was subsequently held captive and tortured. The second detective, Raymond J. Low, who works in narcotics, was also reportedly paid by one of the suspects for off-duty security.
The Crypto Torture Case
The investigation stems from a harrowing incident where an Italian tourist was allegedly lured to a luxurious Manhattan townhouse on May 6 by two cryptocurrency businessmen, John Woeltz and William Duplessie. For 17 days, the victim was reportedly subjected to brutal torture, including being shocked with electrical wires, hit with a gun, forced to smoke from a crack pipe, dangled five stories high, and sawed on his leg, all in an attempt to extract his Bitcoin password. The victim eventually escaped and alerted authorities.
Upon entering the townhouse, police discovered a cache of evidence, including:
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Cocaine
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A saw
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Chicken wire
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Body armor
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Night-vision goggles
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Polaroid photos of the victim with a gun pointed at his head
John Woeltz, identified as the "crypto king of Kentucky," and William Duplessie have been arrested and charged in connection with the kidnapping and torture.
Key Takeaways
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Two NYPD detectives, including one from Mayor Adams' security detail, are under internal investigation.
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The detectives allegedly provided off-duty security for individuals charged in a crypto torture case.
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One detective reportedly transported the victim to the torture location.
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The NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau is investigating whether the off-duty work was approved and the extent of the officers' knowledge.
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The case highlights concerns about police conduct and the oversight of private security work by officers.
Internal Investigation Underway
The NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau has launched an investigation into the detectives' conduct. While officers are permitted to work off-duty security jobs, such assignments require departmental approval, and it remains unclear if this particular gig was sanctioned. The probe aims to determine how long the detectives were employed by the crypto suspects and whether they had any knowledge of the illegal activities occurring at the townhouse. Both the Mayor's office and the NYPD have stated that they are disturbed by the allegations and are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Sources
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Cop on NYC Mayor's Security Detail Reportedly Linked to Crypto Torture Case, Gizmodo.
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Police Probe Detective Linked to Shocking Crypto Torture Case in USA, Faharas News.
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Police Investigate Detectives Who Worked at House in Crypto Torture Case, The New York Times.
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cCrypto torture case: 2 NYPD detectives on leave in connection with SoHo kidnapping in NYC, ABC7 Los Angeles.
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Crypto millionaire torture investigation takes shocking turn – NBC New York, NBC New York.
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