Summary
- Two NYPD officers, including one on Mayor Eric Adams’ security team, are under investigation for alleged involvement in a crypto kidnapping.
- The victim, an Italian businessman, was tortured and held at gunpoint in a SoHo apartment.
- One officer reportedly drove the victim from the airport to the kidnapping site.
- Alleged kidnappers John Woeltz and William Duplessie are facing charges.
- Victim escaped after revealing Bitcoin password.
- NYPD and Mayor’s Office have responded, placing the officers on modified duty.
The Shocking Crypto Crime
Crypto kidnapping has once again shaken New York—this time with high-profile links to the NYPD. On May 6, an Italian businessman was lured to Manhattan, where he was allegedly held hostage, tortured, and coerced into revealing his Bitcoin password.
According to reports, crypto entrepreneurs John Woeltz and William Duplessie orchestrated the crime, even threatening the victim’s family if he didn’t cooperate.
NYPD Officers Implicated
The investigation took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that two NYPD detectives—one of whom was part of Mayor Eric Adams’ personal security detail—were allegedly working off-duty as private security for the suspects.
One of the officers reportedly drove the victim directly from the airport to the luxury SoHo apartment where the crime took place.
While it remains unclear whether the officers had departmental approval for this side job, their involvement has prompted internal scrutiny.
How the Victim Escaped
Despite being shocked, tortured, and held at gunpoint, the Italian businessman managed a bold escape. Shortly after giving up his Bitcoin password, he fled the apartment barefoot while the captors were distracted.
Though his identity remains confidential, sources suggest he may have had prior business ties to Woeltz and Duplessie.
Statements from Authorities
The Mayor’s Office responded swiftly:
“Every city employee is expected to follow the law, including our officers, both on and off duty,” said a representative from Mayor Eric Adams’ office.
“We are disturbed by these allegations, and as soon as it came to our attention, the officers were placed on modified duty.”
The NYPD is now conducting a full investigation into the officers’ roles in this bizarre and disturbing incident.
Family Claims and Allegations
The scandal deepened when Woeltz’s family spoke out, claiming he may have been manipulated into participating in the crime:
“He’s a kind, caring, loving person, so he was completely controlled by other people,” said a relative in an interview with The New York Post.
Whether this is a genuine defense or a deflection remains to be seen, but it adds another layer of intrigue to the case.
Conclusion and What’s Next
This high-profile crypto kidnapping case raises serious concerns about law enforcement accountability, crypto-related crimes, and the thin line between legality and personal gain in a digital world. As investigations continue, all eyes are on how the NYPD and city officials handle the unfolding scandal.