Crypto Investor Arrested for Torturing Italian Tourist in Manhattan Over Passwords đđŽđš
John Woeltz, a 37-year-old crypto investor from Kentucky, was arrested after allegedly kidnapping and torturing a 28-year-old Italian tourist in a luxury Manhattan apartmentâforcing him for weeks to reveal crypto passwords worth millions.
The victim escaped after brutal abuse, including being tied with electric cords, tasered in water, whipped with a pistol, forced to use drugs, and threatened with a chainsaw. Police discovered bloody scenes, night vision goggles, bulletproof vests, and disturbing photos taken to extort the victimâs family.
The incident started May 6 after the tourist arrived to meet Woeltz but was instead held captive in what police call a âtorture chamber.â
Woeltz faces charges including first-degree kidnapping and assault. A second suspect, Beatrice Folchi, 24, was also arrested; two others remain under investigation. The victim had an Apple AirTag on him to prevent escape but managed to flee last Friday, fearing for his life.
Neighbors described the arrest as surreal, with police handcuffing Woeltz in a robe. Authorities vow to bring all involved to justice and protect others from harm.
