A shocking twist in an ongoing cryptocurrency kidnapping case has reportedly drawn in members of New York City’s police force—one of whom serves on Mayor Eric Adams’ personal security detail. According to News 4 New York, two NYPD officers have been linked to suspects charged in the brutal abduction and torture of an Italian tourist, allegedly held for 17 days in a Manhattan townhouse by crypto businessmen seeking access to his Bitcoin.
One officer, currently under Internal Affairs investigation, allegedly worked off-duty security at the site of the crime and may have transported the victim there. The revelations raise serious questions about NYPD oversight and how deeply law enforcement may have been entangled in the disturbing scheme.
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Shocking Allegations Link NYPD Officers to Brutal Bitcoin Extortion Scheme
A high-profile kidnapping and torture case involving cryptocurrency has taken a stunning turn, as two members of the New York Police Department—one of whom was assigned to protect Mayor Eric Adams—are reportedly under investigation for possible links to the incident.
According to a report from News 4 New York, the officers’ connection to the case stems from their association with individuals charged in the kidnapping of an Italian tourist. The victim was allegedly held captive in a Manhattan townhouse and subjected to a harrowing ordeal intended to extract access to his Bitcoin holdings.
Officer on Mayor’s Detail Under Internal Investigation
One of the officers implicated is a detective currently serving on Mayor Adams’ security team. The report states that the detective was moonlighting in a private security role, which included providing protection at a townhouse on Prince Street in the Nolita neighborhood—coincidentally, the same location where the tourist was allegedly held against his will for over two weeks.
Authorities are investigating whether the officer may have unknowingly—or knowingly—transported the victim from the airport to the townhouse where he was later tortured. The NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau has launched a probe into the matter, but no formal charges have been filed against the officers to date.
A second officer, whose involvement remains unclear, has also been placed on modified duty, according to the report. Both officers are currently under administrative review.
Off-Duty Work Raises Questions
While NYPD officers are permitted to take on off-duty security jobs, it remains uncertain whether this specific assignment was approved by the department. The key question now is whether either officer was aware of the criminal activity they may have been adjacent to—or worse, complicit in.
The Crypto Kidnapping: A Brutal 17-Day Ordeal
The original incident, now making international headlines, occurred on May 6. The Italian tourist was allegedly lured to the Nolita residence by two men described as cryptocurrency entrepreneurs. Once inside, he was reportedly detained for 17 days while the suspects attempted to coerce him into handing over access to his Bitcoin account.
According to police, the victim endured a series of horrific abuses: he was electrocuted with wires, beaten with a firearm, forced to smoke from a crack pipe, and even dangled off a fifth-story balcony. His leg was reportedly sawed, he was urinated on, and he was subjected to other brutal acts intended to break his will.
Escape and Arrests
The victim managed to escape after his captors left to retrieve his computer and steal his cryptocurrency. He flagged down a police officer in the street—one not implicated in the case—and led authorities to the townhouse. Upon entering the residence, investigators reportedly discovered cocaine, chicken wire, body armor, night-vision goggles, and a saw. They also found Polaroid photos depicting the victim with a gun held to his head, further corroborating his story.
Two suspects have since been arrested: 37-year-old John Woeltz, known in some circles as the “crypto king of Kentucky,” and 33-year-old William Duplessie, a crypto investor from Florida who later surrendered to authorities.
A Case That Continues to Unfold
As the investigation progresses, the spotlight now falls on the NYPD and its oversight of off-duty employment. Whether the officers involved were unwitting bystanders or knew more than they’ve admitted remains to be determined. The case underscores the growing intersection of cryptocurrency, crime, and law enforcement—raising urgent questions about accountability in both the public and private sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crypto torture case about?
The case involves the alleged kidnapping and torture of an Italian tourist in a Manhattan townhouse. The victim was reportedly held for 17 days by two men attempting to force him to reveal the password to his Bitcoin account.
How is the NYC Mayor’s security officer involved?
One of the NYPD officers under investigation was serving on Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail. He allegedly worked an off-duty security job at the townhouse where the victim was held, and may have transported the victim there.
Was the officer aware of the kidnapping?
It’s currently unclear. The NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau is investigating whether the officer knowingly participated or was unaware of the crime while working the private security gig.
Is off-duty work allowed for NYPD officers?
Yes, NYPD officers can take approved off-duty jobs. However, it’s not known if this particular assignment was authorized by the department.
Have any officers been charged?
No officers have been charged as of now. However, two NYPD officers have been placed on modified duty while the investigation continues.
What happened to the victim?
The victim reportedly endured severe abuse, including electrocution, beatings, and other physical and psychological torture. He escaped and alerted police, leading to the arrests.
Conclusion
The alleged involvement of an NYPD officer from Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail in a brutal cryptocurrency kidnapping case has raised serious concerns about accountability and oversight within law enforcement. As investigators work to determine the full extent of the officers’ roles—whether through negligence or direct complicity—the case highlights the potential dangers of blurred lines between official duties and private security work.
It also underscores the dark side of the cryptocurrency world, where vast digital fortunes can lead to real-world violence. With multiple investigations ongoing, this case continues to unfold, drawing intense public and media scrutiny, and demanding transparency from both the NYPD and City Hall.