A 37‑12 months‑outdated crypto investor from Kentucky faces prices after an Italian vacationer escaped weeks of captivity and torture in a luxurious Manhattan condo.
The sufferer alerted a metropolis visitors agent on Could 23, main police to arrest John Woeltz on the Nolita residence. Authorities say the sufferer had prior enterprise dealings with Woeltz earlier than a monetary dispute prompted the alleged abduction.
Crypto Dealer’s Manhattan Torture Swimsuit
Investigators consider Woeltz lured the 28‑12 months‑outdated vacationer again to New York below false pretenses. He then seized the person’s passport and confined him in a excessive‑finish Nolita flat rented for $30,000–$40,000 monthly.
Throughout a minimum of two weeks of captivity, the sufferer endured quite a few abuses. He spent hours sure with electrical cords and skilled repeated tasering whereas his ft remained submerged in water.
Moreover, officers reported using a pistol‑whip and threats with an electrical chainsaw.
As well as, the captors pressured the sufferer to ingest cocaine and hooked up an Apple AirTag round his neck to watch his actions.
Police recovered Polaroid pictures documenting the abuse, alongside a firearm, night time‑imaginative and prescient goggles, damaged glass, and different objects linked to torture. The sufferer sustained a considerable wound according to a chainsaw harm.
Who’s John Woeltz?
Woeltz seems in Kentucky’s 2021 Blockchain Expertise Working Group annual report as an administrative help contributor. He held duties coordinating state‑stage blockchain initiatives below the “Bluegrass Blockchain” banner.
Furthermore, public information present Woeltz participated in Ethereum hackathons. He joined the successful “Blockchain Balloting Bot” workforce at ETHSanFrancisco, demonstrating fingers‑on growth expertise in sensible‑contract functions.
In interviews and meetup listings, he described himself as an entrepreneur and investor with almost a decade of Silicon Valley startup involvement.
He additionally led native “Tech on Faucet – Blockchain” occasions in Paducah, Kentucky, sharing insights on decentralized finance initiatives.
Regardless of his seen position within the regional blockchain scene, Woeltz maintained a restricted on-line footprint. Police and journalists have discovered no verified private social media profiles, suggesting he could function below company handles or keep strict privateness.
In the meantime, the excessive price of his Manhattan lease and stories of great private funds level to substantial monetary means.
Investigators are probing whether or not Woeltz acted alone or enlisted accomplices. Two associates stay in custody for questioning because the NYPD’s fifth Precinct continues its inquiry.
The case has shaken each the crypto neighborhood and the vacationer’s household in Italy. Prosecutors are getting ready formal prices and have but to announce particulars of the forthcoming indictment.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Belief Undertaking pointers, BeInCrypto is dedicated to unbiased, clear reporting. This information article goals to supply correct, well timed data. Nonetheless, readers are suggested to confirm details independently and seek the advice of with knowledgeable earlier than making any choices based mostly on this content material. Please be aware that our Phrases and Circumstances, Privateness Coverage, and Disclaimers have been up to date.