Inside the Wild Manhattan Crypto Hostage Plot: $28M, Chained Victim & International Twists Revealed
An Italian man was allegedly tortured for $28 million in crypto in a Manhattan apartment, with chilling tactics to hide his ordeal from his family.
| 17 days | Victim held captive in Manhattan |
| $28 million | Value of targeted digital wallet |
| 2 suspects | Charged with kidnapping and assault |
The high-stakes world of cryptocurrency just collided with true crime in a chilling, blockbuster tale that could only unfold in Manhattan.
Authorities have revealed that Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, a 28-year-old Italian, was held captive for 17 days in a swanky Prince Street apartment—allegedly tortured by self-styled crypto tycoons John Woeltz and William Duplessie. The motive? Carturan’s digital wallet, brimming with a staggering $28 million in cryptocurrency.
While Carturan’s ordeal gripped two continents, his reclusive parents received reassuring messages on WhatsApp throughout his captivity—messages authorities now suspect were sent by the alleged kidnappers themselves to prevent alarm and delay any rescue operations.
Q: How Did the Alleged Crypto Kidnapping Happen?
In early May 2025, Carturan was reportedly lured to a Manhattan luxury apartment, where Woeltz and Duplessie allegedly restrained him with violence and psychological torment. Prosecutors allege that he was bound, pistol-whipped, and even dangled from a staircase, while his movements were monitored using an Apple AirTag conspicuously worn around his neck.
There are claims Carturan was at times placed in a wheelchair or subjected to further humiliation. Surveillance videos recently surfaced showing parties at the crime scene where Carturan alternately appeared to be a guest or restrained, raising chilling questions about the kidnappers’ methods.
Q: How Did the Family Remain Unaware?
Carturan’s parents—Maurizio and Lidia—remained blissfully unaware of the danger, reassured by WhatsApp messages sent from their son’s phone. Only on May 25 did a friend break the shocking news to them. The family hadn’t filed a missing person’s report, thinking their son was on one of his frequent international trips.
According to sources in La Repubblica, the parents only realized the horrifying truth after the ordeal ended, prompting them to shutter their herbal business, quickly liquidate their assets, and fly to the United States where they met with Italian consular officials.
How Did Carturan Escape—and What Happened Next?
On May 23, the captivity ended dramatically. Carturan reportedly seized a narrow window to escape, flagging down an alert traffic officer in Manhattan. He was rushed to a hospital with multiple injuries—including alleged chainsaw cuts, after-effects of being urinated on, and severe bruising.
Police sprang into action, swiftly arresting Woeltz, dubbed the “Crypto King of Kentucky” and known for his lavish, jet-setting lifestyle. Duplessie was apprehended days later. Both men are being held on a raft of charges—kidnapping, assault, and weapons possession—with one lawyer promising the case will “unravel” as more facts come to light.
Could This Happen Again? The Crypto Security Wake-up Call
Experts warn this case is a jarring wakeup call for crypto holders worldwide. As virtual wealth soars, so too does the risk of sophisticated, tech-savvy crimes.
The use of smart devices like AirTags to track victims—and social platforms to mask kidnappings—highlights a dark, digital evolution in modern crime. For more on the security risks of cryptocurrency, check out CoinDesk and The New York Times.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Crypto in 2025
– Enable two-factor authentication for all wallet access
– Use cold storage hardware wallets—keep seed phrases offline
– Regularly update your digital security habits
– Communicate safe protocols with loved ones if you travel
Checklist: What to Do If You Suspect Crypto Crime
– Cease all digital wallet transfers
– Contact law enforcement immediately
– Alert your country’s consular officials if traveling
– Secure physical and online assets
The chilling details behind this crypto kidnapping have shocked the world—and serve as a crucial lesson for anyone navigating the high-value world of digital wealth. Stay informed. Stay secure. Share this article and protect your network!