In a harrowing incident that underscores the dark side of digital wealth, 37-year-old cryptocurrency investor John Woeltz, dubbed the "Crypto King of Kentucky," has been arrested in New York City for allegedly kidnapping and torturing Italian crypto trader Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan. The motive: extracting the password to Carturan's Bitcoin wallet, reportedly containing 30 million.
Carturan arrived in NYC on May 6, 2025, lured by Woeltz under the pretense of a business meeting. Instead, he was held captive for over two weeks in a 40,000-per-month SoHo townhouse. During his confinement, Carturan endured brutal physical abuse, including electrocution, beatings, and threats with a chainsaw. His captors also took Polaroid photos of the torture to intimidate his family.
Woeltz's assistant, 24-year-old Beatrice Folchi, was also arrested in connection with the case. While she faces charges of first-degree kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office has yet to prosecute her formally.
The ordeal ended on May 23 when Carturan managed to escape and alert authorities. Police arrested Woeltz at the scene, recovering weapons, cocaine, and photographic evidence. Woeltz is currently held without bail and has surrendered his passport.
In a bizarre aftermath, a local Catholic priest performed a ritual blessing at the crime scene, sprinkling holy water to cleanse the space. The incident has shocked the SoHo community, highlighting the potential dangers faced by individuals in the cryptocurrency sphere.
---
Stay informed on developments in this case and other cryptocurrency-related news.
0 Comments