A second suspect connected to the recent high-profile Bitcoin kidnapping and torture case has been arrested in New York. William Duplessie, 33, turned himself in at the 13th Precinct in Manhattan on Tuesday. According to prosecutors, charges have been filed against him for his involvement in the abduction and mistreatment of an Italian man, who was targeted for his cryptocurrencies.
Many believe Duplessie and John Woeltz, the first suspect, used to run their business together. Authorities have charged Woeltz, 37, after they say he kept the victim captive for more than two weeks in a rented townhouse in SoHo. Now, prosecutors say that Duplessie was actively involved in both planning and carrying out the crime.
Duplessie turned himself in to the police, and his lawyer argued that it was evidence of his willingness to cooperate. The defence asked the judge to authorise $1 million bail and keep the accused under house arrest in Florida. The court rejected the defence’s request because the judge was concerned about a flight risk and the seriousness of the accusations.
Investigators say the court documents suggest the two suspects worked together in their crimes. A man who arrived from Italy at the request of the gang was held at a property on Prince Street for 17 days. Photos showing the victim tied up, pointed at with a gun, and wearing shirts with pictures of his torture were shown to the court by prosecutors.
During the search, authorities retrieved body armour, night vision equipment, and substances as well as ammunition at the house. In several rooms, investigators found blood traces. Officials suspect the suspects used forceful physical and psychological techniques to try to gain access to the victim’s Bitcoin wallet. The victim stated that he kept his password on a laptop and used that as an explanation to leave. Woeltz stepped out for a bit, and the victim stood up barefoot, seeking nearby people for support.
Prosecutors pointed out that both people may have planned to escape before being stopped. Some say Woeltz has access to a private jet and helicopter. As a result, both suspects remain in custody until the legal process is completed.
Woeltz did not attend recent hearings, and the prosecutors added more photographs to the case. Police are still working to determine how the suspects coordinated their actions and the details of their planning. Both men are now awaiting further hearings and could face several years in prison if convicted.
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