Judge Grants Bail in Shocking Crypto-Torture Case: Key Details You Need to Know
- What Happened in the Soho Crypto-Torture Case?
- Why Did the Judge Grant Bail Against Such Serious Allegations?
- What Are the Bail Conditions?
- How Does This Case Fit Into Larger Crypto Crime Trends?
- What’s Next in the Legal Proceedings?
- Frequently Asked Questions
In a controversial decision, a Manhattan judge granted bail to two men accused of brutally torturing an Italian national in a luxury Soho home as part of an alleged crypto theft scheme. The case highlights growing concerns about high-stakes cryptocurrency crimes and raises questions about prosecutorial evidence. Here’s a deep dive into the unfolding legal drama.
What Happened in the Soho Crypto-Torture Case?
Manhattan Judge Gregory Carro stunned observers by granting $1 million bail each to John Woeltz and William Duplessie, who face over a dozen charges including kidnapping, coercion, and assault. The defendants had been held without bail since their arrest in May 2024.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Assistant District Attorney Sarah Kahn presented graphic allegations, claiming the defendants lured their victim from Italy to New York under threats to his family’s safety. The prosecution alleges Woeltz and Duplessie subjected the man to horrific abuse – including dousing him in tequila and setting him on fire – while attempting to access his cryptocurrency assets.
Why Did the Judge Grant Bail Against Such Serious Allegations?
Judge Carro cited questionable evidence strength and credibility issues between prosecution and defense accounts. “There are issues of corroboration that justify bail while I continue examining this case,” Carro stated from the bench.
Defense attorney Sam Talkin presented surveillance footage showing the alleged victim casually smoking a cigarette on the street 36 hours before leaving the Soho property. “The timeline doesn’t add up,” Talkin argued. “This wasn’t a captive – this was someone moving freely.”
What Are the Bail Conditions?
The stringent bail terms require:
- Surrender of all passports
- 24/7 electronic monitoring
- Home confinement
- No contact with the alleged victim
Prosecutors revealed disturbing details about the defendants’ alleged methods, including using power tools and other instruments to torture the victim. However, the defense successfully challenged the prosecution’s narrative as inconsistent with available evidence.
How Does This Case Fit Into Larger Crypto Crime Trends?
This incident occurs amid a global surge in high-value cryptocurrency crimes. According to Chainalysis’ July 17 report, $2.17 billion has been stolen from crypto services in 2024 alone – already surpassing 2023’s $1.87 billion total.
The case also references Woeltz’s Kentucky property, where law enforcement reportedly found writings about kidnapping and torture to steal crypto assets. Dubbed the “Crypto King of Kentucky,” Woeltz’s alleged activities represent an extreme example of crypto-related violence.
What’s Next in the Legal Proceedings?
While the bail decision allows the defendants temporary freedom, the case continues to develop. Judge Carro emphasized this remains an active investigation, with both sides preparing for what could be a lengthy legal battle.
Cryptocurrency analysts note this case highlights the dark side of digital asset theft, where the irreversible nature of blockchain transactions may be driving increasingly violent methods. As the crypto market evolves, so too do the criminal tactics surrounding it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the defendants in this case?
John Woeltz and William Duplessie, two men accused of torturing an Italian national in a Soho luxury home to steal cryptocurrency assets.
What were the bail conditions set by the judge?
The $1 million bail per defendant comes with strict conditions including passport surrender, electronic monitoring, and home confinement.
Why did the judge question the prosecution’s evidence?
Judge Carro cited credibility issues and lack of corroboration between prosecution and defense accounts of events.
How does this case relate to broader crypto crime trends?
It reflects the increasing violence in high-stakes cryptocurrency crimes, with over $2 billion stolen from crypto services in 2024 already.
