News Summary
A Swiss cryptocurrency investor is set to surrender to NYC detectives regarding a shocking torture and kidnapping case of an Italian Bitcoin trader. This suspect will join another individual already facing serious charges, including assault and kidnapping. The investigation uncovered disturbing abuse and extortion attempts involving the victim, who managed to escape after two weeks of captivity. Authorities are actively searching for additional suspects connected to this troubling incident in the cryptocurrency sector, highlighting significant vulnerabilities in digital currency transactions.
New York City – Swiss Crypto Investor To Surrender in SoHo Torture Case
A second suspect, identified as a Swiss cryptocurrency investor, is expected to surrender to New York City detectives this week in connection with a disturbing torture and kidnapping case involving an Italian Bitcoin trader. This individual will join 37-year-old John Woeltz, who is already facing multiple charges related to the heinous crime.
Woeltz was arraigned on Saturday morning and is currently being held without bail. He has been ordered to surrender his passport to avoid leaving the jurisdiction while the case proceeds. He faces serious charges, including assault, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 28.
Currently, police have arrested Woeltz along with another suspect, while further investigation continues into the involvement of other individuals. Woeltz resided in an upscale apartment on Prince Street, where the alleged torture of the victim took place. A female companion of Woeltz, Beatrice Folchi, was also taken into custody but has not been charged.
Details of the Kidnapping and Torture
The group is accused of luring Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, the victim and former cryptocurrency business partner, back from Italy under false pretenses. Their aim was to extort millions in cryptocurrency from Carturan by coercing him to reveal his account password. Investigators report that Carturan was held against his will for approximately two weeks after arriving in the United States on May 6.
During his captivity, Carturan was subjected to severe physical and psychological abuse, including electrocution, being pistol-whipped, and threats of dismemberment with an electric chainsaw. Disturbingly, the captors reportedly took Polaroid photographs of Carturan in his bound state, which they may have intended to use for extortion purposes.
Upon executing a search warrant at the apartment, authorities discovered numerous pieces of torture equipment, such as electrical cords, tasers, and a saw. Additionally, illegal substances including crack cocaine were found within the premises. The lavish apartment, which features eight bedrooms and ten bathrooms, is believed to command a rental price ranging from $30,000 to $40,000 per month.
The scene inside the apartment was described as chaotic and disturbing, with broken glass, bulletproof vests, night vision goggles, and other incriminating evidence, including blood and bullet casings littered throughout the property.
Victim’s Escape and Ongoing Investigation
Carturan managed to escape from his captors on Friday morning by exploiting a distraction caused by them. He sought help from a traffic enforcement agent, leading to his rescue. After an emergency response that involved a SWAT team, Woeltz was apprehended while discovered barefoot and clad only in a bathrobe.
Upon his escape, Carturan was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he received treatment for the injuries he sustained during his ordeal. Meanwhile, New York authorities continue their investigation into the incident and are actively seeking additional suspects who may have played a role in this chilling case.
This shocking incident has garnered attention in the law enforcement community as officials strive to address and combat violent crimes associated with the cryptocurrency sector. The circumstances surrounding the case illustrate the vulnerabilities present within the digital currency landscape and have raised significant public concern.
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Additional Resources
- New York Post: Swiss Crypto Bigwig Surrenders in SoHo Torture Case
- Wikipedia: Cryptocurrency
- NY Daily News: New Arrest in SoHo Cryptocurrency Kidnapping
- Google Search: SoHo torture case
- ABC7 NY: 2nd Crypto Suspect Expected to Surrender
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal Law
- AM New York: SoHo Crypto Kidnapping Suspect Arraigned
- Google News: Crypto Kidnapping
