Crypto millionaire in New York: Italian kidnapped and tortured!

Crypto millionaire in New York: Italian kidnapped and tortured!

A dramatic incident exposes the dark machinations in the world of cryptocurrencies: an Italian tourist was kidnapped in New York, tortured and only released after more than two weeks in captivity. The case occurred in early May 2025, when the 28-year-old man was invited to 37-year-old crypto investor John Woeltz's luxury penthouse in SoHo to return Bitcoins that he had previously extorted from Woeltz. But the meeting took a disastrous turn.

Woeltz and an accomplice confiscated the victim's electronic devices and passport and demanded the password to the Italian's Bitcoin wallet. When he refused, he was tied up and subjected to dramatic torture over several weeks. The perpetrators did not shy away from physical violence: electric shockers and a chainsaw were used to force the Italian to reveal the requested information. The torture also included threats against the victim's family and threats to cut off his limbs.

Escape and arrest

After endless torment, the Italian finally managed to escape from Woeltz's apartment on Friday. When he escaped, he was covered in cuts and bruises and was able to call a traffic police officer for help. Thanks to his quick reaction, Woeltz and a suspected accomplice were taken into custody on the same day. While the accomplice was later released, Woeltz remains in custody because the police see a risk of escape; he owns a private jet and a helicopter.

The investigators not only found a pistol and photos of the torture in Woeltz's apartment, but also cocaine and a night vision device. Police describe Woeltz as a multimillionaire with a fortune of around $100 million, known as “cryptoking.” His luxurious penthouse in Manhattan costs more than 26,000 euros a month to rent, which makes the drastic contrast between his lifestyle and the violent methods he uses even more striking.

The wanted Swiss

The horrific act has further dimensions: a crypto millionaire living in Switzerland is also wanted in connection with this incident. He is a co-founder of a trading firm and is reportedly already in contact with his lawyers. The police's extensive investigative work shows a serious commitment to holding everyone involved accountable and bringing to light the frightening reality behind the glamorous facade of the crypto world.

The incident is a reminder of the dangers associated with cryptocurrencies and shows how quickly the pursuit of wealth can turn into violence and crime. At this point, it remains to be seen what further revelations will come to light and whether the cryptocurrency system can provide a safer environment for their users.

For more information about this incident, read the articles on Watson and T Online.