The Pop Radar (TPR) — The wild saga of two New York City “crypto bros” accused of kidnapping and torturing an Italian Bitcoin millionaire has taken a new twist — and it’s as jaw-dropping as the original allegations.
John Woeltz and William Duplessie, both facing a laundry list of felony charges tied to a bizarre and brutal crypto-extortion plot, were each granted $1 million bail by a Manhattan Supreme Court judge on Wednesday. But there’s a catch — they’re forbidden from using cryptocurrency to pay it.
Electronic Monitoring, No Crypto, No Passports
In a courtroom move that shocked onlookers and prosecutors alike, the judge ruled that if the men can come up with the funds without dipping into digital wallets, they’ll be released under strict home confinement, ankle monitoring, and will have to surrender their passports ahead of trial.
Well-known celebrity bail bondsman Ira Judelson, whose clientele has included high-profile stars and scandal-ridden moguls, is overseeing the bail process for both defendants. He confirmed to local reporters that the pair would be fitted with ankle bracelets as soon as bail is posted.
“These conditions are serious and very specific,” said a legal insider. “This isn’t your average white-collar case.”
The Crime: A Real-Life Crypto Horror Movie
The alleged victim, Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, is an Italian entrepreneur who prosecutors say was lured to a SoHo townhouse by Woeltz and Duplessie under the guise of a crypto investment opportunity.
Instead, things took a nightmarish turn.
Carturan was reportedly held captive for over 17 days, during which the suspects allegedly:
- Drugged him
- Pistol-whipped him
- Electrocuted him with wires
- Threatened to throw him down the stairs
- Demanded access to his Bitcoin password
Eventually, the frightened businessman relented, pointing them to a laptop containing the password to his crypto fortune — a stash worth hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars.
Caught on Camera: The Escape
In exclusive TMZ-obtained footage, Carturan can be seen making a desperate run for his life — barefoot and bloody — as he flagged down a traffic officer in Midtown Manhattan.
“That video was chilling,” said one prosecutor. “It was like watching a scene from a movie.”
Shortly after, Woeltz and Duplessie were arrested. Carturan was taken to the hospital, where medical professionals confirmed his injuries aligned with the torture he described.
What Police Found Inside the SoHo Crypto Lair
The townhouse the suspects rented has become a crime scene straight out of a Hollywood thriller.
A thorough police sweep revealed a disturbing collection of items, including:
- Cocaine
- A saw
- Chicken wire
- Night vision goggles
- Body armor
- Ammunition
- Polaroids showing a gun pointed at the victim’s head
Investigators believe the duo had been preparing for this heist for weeks, if not months.
From Crypto Scheme to Sex Parties?
But the shocking twist doesn’t end there.
Videos and images retrieved from the scene also show what appear to be wild sex parties, X-rated antics, and scenes of partying — a stark contrast to the horror Carturan experienced inside those same walls.
“It’s like Wolf of Wall Street meets Hostel,” commented one detective familiar with the case. “Luxury and depravity in equal parts.”
Pleading Not Guilty — But Public Outrage Grows
Both Woeltz and Duplessie have pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a weapon. But the public isn’t buying their innocence.
Social media is flooded with reactions to the bail decision:
“Held a man hostage for 17 days, tortured him — and they’re out on BAIL?!” tweeted one user.
“This is why people don’t trust the justice system,” another posted.
Meanwhile, Carturan is reportedly recovering and staying low-profile, with sources saying he is cooperating closely with investigators and legal authorities.
Legal Experts Weigh In
The bail amount — while steep — is still being seen by some legal experts as shockingly lenient considering the nature of the allegations.
“The use of crypto in crimes like this is still a legal gray area,” said attorney Mark Ellison, who specializes in cybercrime. “But kidnapping and torture? That should be cut-and-dried.”
He adds: “Courts are still catching up to the sophisticated ways criminals are using digital currencies.”
Who Are These ‘Crypto Bros’?
John Woeltz and William Duplessie have been described in media reports as “crypto entrepreneurs” and “digital finance influencers,” but very little verified information is available about their professional backgrounds.
Investigations are ongoing into whether they may be tied to larger crypto-related schemes or dark web operations.
A New Era of Crime?
The case is rapidly becoming one of the most high-profile crypto crimes in U.S. history, raising questions about the vulnerability of wealthy crypto investors and the underbelly of the decentralized finance world.
From flashy parties and luxury rentals to violent extortion and high-stakes legal drama, the story has everything — and it’s not over yet.
“This is what happens when money, power, and ego collide in the digital age,” said a former NYPD cybercrimes investigator.
⚖️ What Happens Next?
The case will proceed to trial in the coming months, with prosecutors expected to push for maximum sentencing if convicted.
If found guilty, Woeltz and Duplessie could face decades behind bars.
???? What’s your take on this shocking crypto crime? Should bail have even been an option? Sound off in the comments below!
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