Two individuals, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, have entered not guilty pleas in a New York City court regarding the alleged kidnapping and torture of a cryptocurrency holder. The victim, Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, was reportedly held for weeks in an attempt to extract his crypto wallet's seed phrase.
Key Takeaways
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John Woeltz and William Duplessie pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping and false imprisonment.
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The victim was allegedly subjected to electric shocks and beatings.
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The motive behind the abduction was to gain access to the victim's cryptocurrency.
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Both defendants are being held without bail and could face life in prison if convicted.
Not Guilty Pleas Entered
In a recent hearing at the New York Supreme Criminal Court, John Woeltz and William Duplessie formally pleaded not guilty to all counts related to the kidnapping and false imprisonment of Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan. The two men are accused of abducting Carturan, a tourist and apparent friend, and holding him captive.
Allegations of Torture and Extortion
Reports indicate that Carturan was held in a SoHo apartment for approximately three weeks. During this period, he was allegedly subjected to various forms of torture, including electric shocks and beatings, as the perpetrators attempted to force him to reveal his cryptocurrency wallet's seed phrase. Carturan eventually managed to escape and alert authorities.
Legal Ramifications and Broader Context
Justice Gregory Carro, overseeing the case, ordered Woeltz and Duplessie to be held without bail, citing the severity of the charges. If convicted, both men face the possibility of life imprisonment. No trial date has been set as of the latest hearing.
This incident is part of a growing trend of crimes targeting individuals with significant cryptocurrency holdings. Globally, there have been several reported cases of attacks on those connected to digital asset companies or possessing large amounts of cryptocurrencies. For instance, in France, there was an attempted abduction involving the family of a crypto company CEO.
Police Involvement and City's Crypto Stance
Adding another layer to the case, two New York Police Department officers were placed on modified duties following allegations of their involvement in the kidnapping. However, as of the recent hearing, neither officer was facing criminal charges.
This event also comes as New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been actively promoting the city as a crypto-friendly hub, advocating for initiatives like BTC-backed municipal bonds and calling for an end to the state's BitLicense program, which mandates licenses for digital asset businesses operating in New York.
Sources
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