NYPD Officers Placed on Modified Duty Amid Crypto Kidnapping Probe

Two NYPD officers, including one assigned to Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail, have been stripped of their badges and placed on modified duty following allegations of involvement in a cryptocurrency-related kidnapping. The detectives reportedly provided off-duty security for William Duplessie and John Woeltz, the accused perpetrators of the abduction and torture of an Italian national in Manhattan.

A veteran detective with two decades of service allegedly transported the victim from the airport to the SoHo apartment where the kidnapping occurred. The mayor’s office emphasized that all city employees, including police officers, are expected to uphold the law both on and off duty. The department acted swiftly upon learning of the allegations.

The case highlights growing concerns about criminal activity surrounding digital assets. While no specific cryptocurrencies were mentioned in connection with the crime, the incident underscores the need for robust oversight in the rapidly evolving crypto space.