Key Takeaways
- John Woeltz and William Duplessie have been launched on $1 million bail every after allegedly kidnapping an Italian bitcoin dealer in New York.
- The sufferer was held hostage, overwhelmed, shocked, and threatened for weeks in an try to get hold of his bitcoin credentials.
- Each suspects should put on digital displays, give up passports, and their subsequent court docket look is scheduled for October 15.
Two males charged in a high-profile bitcoin kidnapping case in Manhattan have been granted bail.
John Woeltz, 37, and William Duplessie, 33, every obtained $1 million bail on Wednesday from New York Supreme Legal Court docket Decide Gregory Carro.
Each pleaded not responsible to kidnapping, assault, and coercion prices.
Hostage held, tortured for bitcoin credentials
The case facilities on the alleged abduction of a 28-year-old Italian bitcoin dealer who was visiting New York.
Prosecutors state that the sufferer was held hostage for weeks in a Manhattan townhouse, the place he was overwhelmed, shocked with wires, pistol-whipped, and threatened with violence if he didn’t present entry to his bitcoin pockets.
At one level, pictures reportedly present a firearm pointed on the sufferer’s head, and threats have been made towards his household.
The sufferer finally escaped in late Might after persuading one of many suspects to let him use his laptop computer.
Seizing the chance when left alone, he fled and sought assist from a close-by site visitors officer.
He was hospitalized with accidents constant along with his account. Woeltz was arrested on the scene; Duplessie surrendered days later.
Bail circumstances and ongoing investigation
A police search uncovered medication, weapons, physique armor, and surveillance tools within the townhouse, with proof indicating meticulous planning.
Each defendants should put on digital ankle displays, give up their passports, and endure safety checks each 72 hours.
Crime reporter, Lauren Conlin, wrote:
The protection claims that this was a hazing and that the sufferer wished to be a part of the life-style and it was merely 17 days of shenanigans.
The subsequent court docket date is ready for October 15.