Key Takeaways
- A crypto trader allegedly tortured an Italian man in NYC to access his bitcoin wallet.
- The victim was held for 17 days in a $75,000/month Manhattan townhouse before escaping.
- Police recovered weapons, torture items, and photos documenting the abuse inside the home.
A prominent cryptocurrency trader has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping and torturing an Italian tourist over a 17-day period in a Manhattan townhouse in an attempt to steal his bitcoin, according to a criminal complaint and law enforcement sources.
Charges & arrest details
John Woeltz, 37, was arraigned Saturday on multiple charges including kidnapping, assault, and firearm possession.
Police say the victim, a 28-year-old man visiting from Italy, escaped the Nolita residence Friday and flagged down a traffic agent, leading to Woeltz’s arrest.
Details of the alleged crime
According to the complaint, Woeltz and another unidentified man took the tourist’s passport and electronics before subjecting him to repeated physical abuse in a bid to force him to reveal his bitcoin wallet password.
Tactics included electric shocks, beatings, gun threats, and even urination.
Police said the victim was bound, monitored with an Apple AirTag, and threatened with death if he didn’t comply.
Victim’s statement
Police said:
He told the agent he had been taken and held against his will and that he was repeatedly assaulted.
Financial background & property details
Woeltz, reportedly worth $100 million, had been renting the Prince Street townhouse for as much as $75,000 per month.
The victim’s net worth is estimated at $30 million.
Evidence & community reaction
Police recovered a firearm, alcohol, and torture-related items from the six-story property, as well as Polaroid photos showing the victim restrained.
A neighbor, Jennifer Crawford, described the scene as shocking:
This is the most unusual thing I’ve seen in 30 years in this neighborhood.
