Crypto Millionaire Kidnapped, Tortured Tourist With Chainsaw

Key Points Summary โ€“ Crypto Millionaire

  • Crypto investor John Woeltz arrested for kidnapping and torture.
  • Victim held for weeks in Manhattan townhouse.
  • Bitcoin password demanded under threats of violence.
  • Victim drugged, shocked, beaten, and nearly killed.
  • Escaped after tricking captors and running to police.
  • Authorities found weapons, drugs, and chilling photos.
  • Prosecutors say Woeltz may flee via private jet or helicopter.

Crypto Millionaire in Chains: Kidnapping Horror in Manhattan Bitcoin Torture Case

A man who struck it rich with crypto is now facing criminal charges that could end his freedom for life. John Woeltz, 37, was arrested Friday night for allegedly kidnapping a man, torturing him for weeks, and demanding his Bitcoin password in a twisted crypto extortion scheme.

The Trap Behind Luxury Walls

Authorities say Woeltz held a 28-year-old man captive inside an upscale eight-bedroom Manhattan townhouse. The nightmare began on May 6, shortly after the victim arrived from Italy.

According to prosecutors, Woeltz and others forcibly detained the man. They tied him up, beat him, shocked him with electric wires, and used threats of death to coerce him.

The goal? A single password. The key to the victimโ€™s cryptocurrency wallet.

Meanwhile, the horrifying ordeal continued to escalate.

Escape from a Digital Dungeon

The victimโ€™s story reads like a movie. For weeks, he endured abuse that included drugging, physical assaults, and being held at gunpoint. One chilling moment involved being dangled over a staircase ledge. Prosecutors say he was told to give up the password or die.

Eventually, he agreed. When Woeltz left the room to retrieve the laptop, the victim seized his chance. Consequently, he sprinted out the front door and flagged down a traffic cop.

Shocking Evidence Uncovered

Prosecutors found disturbing evidence inside the townhouse:

  • Cocaine
  • A saw and chicken wire
  • Body armor and night vision goggles
  • Ammunition
  • Polaroids showing the victim with a gun pointed at his head

Afterward, the victim was taken to a hospital. Doctors confirmed injuries consistent with his horrifying tale.

Crypto Millionaire or Criminal Mastermind?

Woeltz was arraigned Saturday on multiple charges:

  • Kidnapping
  • Assault
  • Unlawful imprisonment
  • Criminal possession of a weapon

Prosecutors urged the judge to deny bail. They say Woeltz has access to both a private jet and a helicopter.

Ultimately, the judge agreed. Woeltz is being held without bail and was ordered to surrender his passport. Heโ€™s due back in Manhattan criminal court next week.

Not Alone in the Crime

According to the DA, others were involved in the Bitcoin heist. At least one other suspect remains on the loose. Referred to as an โ€œunapprehended male,โ€ that person may have helped orchestrate the torture.

So far, itโ€™s unclear how Woeltz and the victim knew each other, if at all. Nevertheless, investigators believe this was no random attack. It was a planned effort to break into a crypto wallet using threats and terror.

Crypto Crime Wave Rises

As digital currencies surge, so do crimes involving them. From digital heists to physical threats, criminals are increasingly targeting investors.

Furthermore, experts warn that crypto assets, while secure online, make their owners vulnerable in real life. Cases like this expose the dark side of digital wealth.

Manhattan Horror Sparks Global Outrage

The internet is in shock. Crypto communities and human rights advocates alike have condemned the incident. Moreover, many fear that copycat crimes could follow.

Social media lit up with reactions:

โ€œThis is terrifying. A nightmare come true for crypto holders.โ€ โ€œThis is why we need better protections for digital investors.โ€

For now, one crypto millionaire sits behind bars. And one survivor is lucky to be alive.

Crypto Millionaire John Woeltzโ€™s alleged crimes shocked even hardened investigators. Without a doubt, this case proves that sometimes, the biggest threats come not from hackingโ€”but from the monsters next door.

TOP HEADLINES

USA Secures 2027 Rugby World Cup Spot, Beats Samoa...

DENVER โ€” Securing their spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the United States...

โ€˜The Studioโ€™ Triumphs at Emmys as Best Comedy Series

LOS ANGELES โ€” In a spectacular debut season, the comedy series "The Studio" has...

Bengals assess Joe Burrowโ€™s toe injury post-Jaguars game

CINCINNATI โ€” After a grueling battle against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals' quarterback Joe...

NY Gov. Backs Zohran Mamdani for NYC Mayor

NEW YORK โ€” New York Governor Kathy Hochul has thrown her support behind Zohran...

Match Called Off After DeMeloโ€™s On-Field Collapse

Seattle Reign's match against Racing Louisville in the National Women's Soccer League was abruptly...

World Championship Marathon Ends in Sprint, Photo Finish

In a thrilling climax reminiscent of a 100-meter dash rather than a marathon, Alphonce...
USLive
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.