American Arrested for Kidnapping and Torturing Italian Crypto Investor in Manhattan

An American man, John Woeltz, 37, has been arrested and charged with kidnapping and torturing a 28-year-old Italian investor, Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, 29. The alleged crimes took place in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan, New York, on Friday, May 23rd.

Woeltz allegedly used a chainsaw, stun gun, and pistol to torture Carturan. He also allegedly forced the Italian entrepreneur to consume drugs.

Authorities believe Woeltz documented the torture using a Polaroid camera. Sources speaking to the New York Post suggest the photos were intended to be used to extort Carturan, who reportedly possesses a cryptocurrency fortune of $30 million.

Some sources indicate that Woeltz and Carturan were former business partners, potentially explaining the connection between the two men.

Details of the Torture

Carturan arrived in the United States on May 6th for tourism purposes. However, his visit allegedly turned into a harrowing ordeal of torture.

Local media reports that the victim was bound with electrical wires, forced to use cocaine, and electrocuted with a Taser while standing in water. He was also allegedly pistol-whipped and had a gun pointed at him on multiple occasions.

The torture escalated with the use of an electric chainsaw. Woeltz allegedly threatened to dismember Carturan with the tool.

Sources say that the victim sustained injuries to his arms, indicating the seriousness of the threats.

The Polaroid camera used to document the torture was found covered in blood by police. It is believed the photos were to be sent to Carturan’s family in Italy to extort him. A t-shirt with a photo of the Italian smoking crack was also reportedly found at the scene.

The motive behind the torture was allegedly to gain access to Carturan’s Bitcoin holdings, estimated to be worth $30 million. However, the Italian refused to provide access to his cryptocurrency wallets.

In addition to the weapons and camera, police also discovered broken glass, night-vision goggles, and a bulletproof vest at the scene.

Escape and Arrests

To prevent Carturan from escaping, Woeltz allegedly placed an AirTag tracking device around the Italian’s neck.

Given Woeltz’s arrest on Friday, May 23rd, Carturan was allegedly held captive and tortured for 17 days. The alleged crime took place in an eight-bedroom apartment, reportedly rented by Woeltz for approximately $30,000 per month.

The kidnapping came to an end when the Italian allegedly tricked Woeltz by promising to reveal the passwords to his cryptocurrency accounts. When the alleged kidnapper went to retrieve a computer, Carturan fled the scene barefoot and covered in blood, seeking help from a traffic officer.

Woeltz was arrested and is being held without bail.

Police also arrested Beatrice Folchi, 24, an Italian-born model, accused of being an accomplice in the crimes. Two other individuals are suspected of involvement.

Who is John Woeltz?

Social media users within the cryptocurrency community have noted that John Woeltz is involved with the cryptocurrency Grin (GRIN), a project focused on privacy through ‘Mimblewimble’ technology.

Beatrice Folchi, also known as Bibi, is reportedly an actress with appearances in small films.

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