In a shocking twist that underscores the dark side of the cryptocurrency world, two men implicated in a twisted Bitcoin torture case in New York City were granted bail earlier this week. William Duplessie and John Woeltz, each having their bail set at an astonishing $1 million, have left many shaking their heads at the ongoing saga surrounding this unusual crime.
As the courtroom drama unfolds, presiding Judge Gregory Carro—who is also managing the high-profile case involving alleged UnitedHealthcare assassin Luigi Mangione—allowed the accused men to step out of custody while the evidence against them is meticulously reviewed. This decision comes after a harrowing allegation: that the two men tortured a fellow human being in a luxury SoHo townhouse in a desperate bid to crack open the vault to his cryptocurrency.
A Manhattan judge has agreed to release on bail two men charged with torturing a man in a luxury SoHo townhouse to obtain his cryptocurrency. https://t.co/QtNfpzB2pz— ABC News (@ABC) July 23, 2025
What makes these allegations particularly chilling is the details surrounding the victim’s harrowing escape from captivity. Nearly two months ago, a 28-year-old man managed to flag down authorities while barefoot on the bustling streets of Manhattan, claiming he had been held against his will for weeks. According to reports, Duplessie and Woeltz are accused of subjecting this individual to unimaginable cruelty, including binding him, shocking him with electrical devices, cutting him, and brandishing a firearm—all while demanding access to his Bitcoin stash.
Duplessie is expected to spend his days confined to a residence in Miami, while Woeltz’s whereabouts remain undisclosed but are reportedly within New York. Both men face stringent measures during their bail period, including the mandatory use of ankle monitors to ensure compliance with their confinement. In a curious development, both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges, arguing that the victim was not as constrained as prosecutors claim—insisting he was permitted to move about freely and even partake in social activities during his time with the alleged captors. “Victims of abuse are not always going to act the way we expect them to,” asserted prosecutor Sania Khan, highlighting the complexities of victim behavior.
The ramifications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, pulling in the name of New York Mayor Eric Adams. Two of his security detail officers are now under investigation after reportedly driving the victim from the airport to his captors’ residence. The mayor’s office issued a stern statement emphasizing that “Every city employee is expected to follow the law, including our officers, both on and off duty.” They expressed concern regarding these allegations, swiftly placing the officers on modified duty as inquiries unfold.
As this shocking narrative continues to develop, the future of Duplessie and Woeltz remains uncertain. A trial date has yet to be set, leaving the public and legal observers in suspense. Will justice prevail in a case that has turned the spotlight on the dark undercurrents of cryptocurrency dealings? Or will the complexities of this unique situation blur the lines of accountability? One thing is sure: the implications of this case could ripple across the crypto community and law enforcement practices alike.
For those interested in the interplay between crime and cryptocurrency, this incident serves as a potent reminder of the potential dangers lurking in a realm often viewed as innovative and progressive. As we await further developments, stakeholders in the crypto space must remain vigilant and informed. Stay tuned for updates on this and other crucial developments in the evolving world of cryptocurrency crime.
Explore more about the intersection of crime and cryptocurrency at reputable sources like CoinDesk and The Block.