William Duplessie has surrendered to authorities in connection with the shocking Bitcoin kidnapping and torture case in SoHo (photo credit - New York Times)
In a shocking turn of events, William Duplessie, a well-known figure in the cryptocurrency industry, has surrendered to the New York Police Department (NYPD) in connection with the Bitcoin kidnapping and torture case that has gripped the financial world.
Duplessie, a business partner of John Woeltz, the alleged mastermind behind the crime, turned himself in at the 13th Precinct in Manhattan early Tuesday morning. He now faces charges of kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm.
This case has sent shockwaves through the crypto community, highlighting the dangers of digital wealth and the risks associated with high-value cryptocurrency holdings.
Table of Contents
The Shocking Details of the Bitcoin Kidnapping Case
The victim, a 28-year-old Italian cryptocurrency investor, arrived in New York City on May 6 and was lured to a luxury townhouse in SoHo by Woeltz and Duplessie.
Once inside, the victim was subjected to 17 days of brutal torture, as the suspects attempted to force him to hand over his Bitcoin password. The horrifying ordeal included:
- Pistol-whipping and physical beatings
- Electrocution with wires
- Being dangled over a staircase ledge
- Threats to kill him if he didn’t comply
The victim managed to escape on May 23, running barefoot through the streets of SoHo before flagging down a traffic officer for help.
Who Is William Duplessie?
Duplessie, a Miami-based crypto entrepreneur, has been involved in the digital asset space for years. He co-founded Pangea Digital Asset Group and has been a prominent figure in blockchain investments.
His alleged involvement in this crime has stunned the crypto industry, raising questions about trust and security among high-profile investors.
Legal Proceedings & Charges
Both Duplessie and Woeltz are now in custody, facing serious charges including:
- Kidnapping
- Assault
- Unlawful imprisonment
- Criminal possession of a firearm
Woeltz, known as the “Crypto King of Kentucky”, was arrested earlier and is being held without bail at Rikers Island.
Impact on the Cryptocurrency Industry
This case has raised major concerns about security in the crypto world. With digital assets being high-value targets, investors must take extra precautions to protect themselves from physical threats and cybercrime.
Key Takeaways for Crypto Investors:
Use multi-layered security for digital wallets
Avoid revealing large crypto holdings publicly
Be cautious when meeting business partners in private settings
Consider legal protections for high-value assets
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Crypto Security
The Bitcoin kidnapping case involving William Duplessie and John Woeltz is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with digital wealth.
As cryptocurrency continues to grow, investors must prioritize security, discretion, and legal protections to avoid becoming targets of extortion and violence.
1 thought on “Bitcoin Kidnapping Horror: Second Suspect William Duplessie (28) Surrenders in SoHo Torture Case”