Allegedly, a crypto trader inflicted torture upon an Italian resident in his New York City dwelling, intending to confiscate his Bitcoin, as per authorities' claims.
In Manhattan, a 37-year-old man named John Woeltz, known for his considerable wealth in the cryptocurrency market, was arrested and charged this weekend in connection with a horrific assault and kidnapping of an Italian tourist. The victim, aged 28, had visited from Italy and was allegedly held captive and tortured for over two weeks within a high-end Soho townhouse.
According to law enforcement sources and a criminal complaint, Woeltz and an unnamed accomplice lured the Italian victim to New York with threats against his family. Upon the victim's arrival, Woeltz is said to have robbed him of his electronics, passport, and subjected him to extreme physical abuse. The victim endured beatings, electric shocks, being struck in the head with a gun, and even had his leg cut with a saw. Woeltz is also accused of threatening to kill the victim if he refused to reveal the password to his bitcoin account.
The luxurious Soho townhouse, with its six stories, elevator, and reported party reputation, served as the setting for the disturbing events. Law enforcement sources revealed that Polaroid photographs documenting the victim's captivity and instruments used for torture were discovered after Woeltz's arrest. A firearm believed to have been used in the intimidation of the victim was also found within the residence.
Woeltz faces severe charges, including kidnapping, second-degree assault (two counts), unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm. He is currently being held without bail. The Italian victim reportedly escaped late last month and sought help from a traffic agent after being held captive since May 6. The victim was taken to a hospital and has reported ongoing abuse while in captivity.
Neighbor Jennifer Crawford was shocked by the details of the arrest, stating, "I mean, that's just beyond what you can even describe or imagine." The townhouse remains a subject of interest, with passersby whispering about the case and taking selfies outside the iron fence wrapped in police tape. Police officials and investigators are still actively working at the residence.
The wealth from John Woeltz's cryptocurrency empire couldn't shield him from charges related to a horrific crime-and-justice incident involving an Italian tourist. Despite his affluence in the general-news realm of crypto technology, Woeltz is now linked to a series of brutal crimes, including kidnapping, assault, and the criminal possession of a firearm.
