An Italian tourist was allegedly kidnapped and tortured for weeks in a Manhattan townhouse by a crypto investor, according to US media and police reports.
John Woeltz, 37, appeared in New York Criminal Court on Saturday charged with kidnapping for ransom, assault, and unlawful imprisonment. A second suspect, Beatrice Folchi, 24, was also arrested in connection with the case.
The victim, a 28-year-old man from Italy, arrived in New York on 6 May. Police say he was held captive in a luxury SoHo residence until he escaped on Friday morning. He was taken to hospital and is reportedly in stable condition.
According to a criminal complaint cited by ABC News, the tourist was beaten and hung off a ledge after refusing to hand over his bitcoin password. Several Polaroid photos of the victim being tied up and tortured were recovered from the property, along with firearms.
Woeltz, a crypto investor originally from Kentucky, had been renting the upscale Manhattan home for up to $40,000 per month, reports CBS News.
The New York Police Department and Manhattan District Attorney’s Office have yet to comment publicly. The motive appears linked to cryptocurrency holdings, but investigations are ongoing.
This shocking case has raised concerns over rising crypto-related crime and the exploitation of international travellers. The Italian foreign ministry has not yet issued a formal statement.
