A 37‑yr‑outdated crypto investor from Kentucky faces prices after an Italian vacationer escaped weeks of captivity and torture in a luxurious Manhattan condominium.
The sufferer alerted a metropolis visitors agent on Could 23, main police to arrest John Woeltz on the Nolita residence. Authorities say the sufferer had prior enterprise dealings with Woeltz earlier than a monetary dispute prompted the alleged abduction.
Crypto Dealer’s Manhattan Torture Go well with
Investigators imagine Woeltz lured the 28‑yr‑outdated vacationer again to New York beneath false pretenses. He then seized the person’s passport and confined him in a excessive‑finish Nolita flat rented for $30,000–$40,000 per 30 days.
Throughout no less than two weeks of captivity, the sufferer endured quite a few abuses. He spent hours sure with electrical cords and skilled repeated tasering whereas his ft remained submerged in water.
Moreover, officers reported the usage of a pistol‑whip and threats with an electrical chainsaw.
As well as, the captors compelled the sufferer to ingest cocaine and hooked up an Apple AirTag round his neck to observe his actions.
Police recovered Polaroid pictures documenting the abuse, alongside a firearm, evening‑imaginative and prescient goggles, damaged glass, and different objects linked to torture. The sufferer sustained a considerable wound in step with a chainsaw damage.
Who’s John Woeltz?
Woeltz seems in Kentucky’s 2021 Blockchain Know-how Working Group annual report as an administrative help contributor. He held duties coordinating state‑stage blockchain initiatives beneath the “Bluegrass Blockchain” banner.
Furthermore, public data present Woeltz participated in Ethereum hackathons. He joined the successful “Blockchain Balloting Bot” crew at ETHSanFrancisco, demonstrating palms‑on improvement expertise in sensible‑contract purposes.
In interviews and meetup listings, he described himself as an entrepreneur and investor with almost a decade of Silicon Valley startup involvement.
He additionally led native “Tech on Tap – Blockchain” occasions in Paducah, Kentucky, sharing insights on decentralized finance tasks.
Regardless of his seen function within the regional blockchain scene, Woeltz maintained a restricted on-line footprint. Police and journalists have discovered no verified private social media profiles, suggesting he might function beneath company handles or keep strict privateness.
In the meantime, the excessive value of his Manhattan lease and studies of serious private funds level to substantial monetary means.
Investigators are probing whether or not Woeltz acted alone or enlisted accomplices. Two associates stay in custody for questioning because the NYPD’s fifth Precinct continues its inquiry.
The case has shaken each the crypto neighborhood and the vacationer’s household in Italy. Prosecutors are making ready formal prices and have but to announce particulars of the forthcoming indictment.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Belief Mission tips, BeInCrypto is dedicated to unbiased, clear reporting. This information article goals to offer correct, well timed data. Nonetheless, readers are suggested to confirm info independently and seek the advice of with an expert earlier than making any selections based mostly on this content material. Please be aware that our Phrases and Situations, Privateness Coverage, and Disclaimers have been up to date.