Suspects in Crypto Kidnapping Case Plead Not Guilty Amid Ongoing Investigation

Two men, William Duplessie and John Woeltz, have pleaded not guilty to charges related to the kidnapping and torture of a 28-year-old Italian cryptocurrency investor. The investigation has expanded to include two NYPD officers linked to the case.

• The victim was allegedly held hostage in a Manhattan townhouse for over two weeks.
• During captivity, he was tortured in various ways to extract private keys to his bitcoin.
• The victim managed to escape and sought help from a traffic officer.
• Duplessie faces five charges, including kidnapping and assault; Woeltz is charged with kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment.
• Two NYPD officers involved in off-duty security work for the defendants are now on modified duty, though they are not directly implicated in the torture.
• The NYPD stated that the situation is under internal review.
• The mayor's office expressed concern over the allegations and confirmed an ongoing investigation.