- Miami crypto entrepreneur William Duplessie surrenders after a 3-week torture scheme targeting an Italian tourist’s Bitcoin.
- Police found disturbing photos documenting abuse, plus weapons and drugs, during the search of an upscale SoHo residence.
- The case highlights the growing international trend of violent crimes targeting cryptocurrency holders for digital wallet access.
A Miami resident involved in cryptocurrency has been arrested for his role in the three-week kidnapping and torture of an Italian tourist in a luxury Manhattan apartment. Many similar crypto criminal cases have been unveiled, which raises concerns over crypto holders’ security.
Growing Concern About Security As Crypto-Related Violence Increases
William Duplessie, a Miami crypto entrepreneur, gave himself up to New York authorities on Tuesday. Police charged him with kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and weapons possession. The entrepreneur, who helped start the Swiss investment firm Pangea Blockchain Fund, has worked with Kentucky crypto investor John Woeltz on the scheme.
The nightmare started for the 28-year-old Italian when he arrived in New York on May 6th and lasted for almost three weeks. Police say the attackers used severe torture by hanging the victim from a roof ledge, applying electric shocks, and threatening him with a chainsaw to get the Bitcoin wallet information.
Woeltz, who rented the SoHo townhouse for up to $40,000 a month, had taken the victim’s passport on arrival. And he kept the tourist captive for 17 days. They have beaten and threatened the victim and forced him to take crack cocaine while being held.
On Friday, the victim was able to escape after initially giving the attacker his password. While his captors were busy with his laptop, he left the eight-bedroom house and called the police. They found Polaroid pictures that showed the torture, plus firearms and illegal drugs, during the search.
This case matches a disturbing trend seen recently in France, the United Kingdom, and Las Vegas, where people are kidnapping digital asset holders. French authorities arrested more than 20 people for their role in several kidnapping plots involving cryptocurrencies.
Legal experts warn that crypto holders are the main target more because attackers can access digital wallets easily compared to traditional banks. Cryptocurrency is not centralized. This is very appealing to criminals who want to hide their money. This shows that security is a growing concern in the digital currency world.
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