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The Lowdown
Accused NYC Bitcoin Captors Deny Guilt, Assert Alleged Victim Was Smiling and Chuckling
Two men, allegedly kidnapping and torturing a guy for crypto, pleaded not guilty in the Big Apple on Wednesday. Their lawyers claim the accuser had the freedom to roam New York City on the days he was supposedly abducted.
William Duplessie and John Woeltz's court case is the latest addition to the year's list of high-profile "crypto wrench attacks." Upon questioning, their lawyers cited videos showing the accuser "chuckling and grinnin'," smoking crack, and partaking in orgies, according to the Associated Press.
Sam Talkin, Duplessie's lawyer, said in criminal court, "The tale spinnin' ain't addin' up." Woeltz's attorney added that witnesses reported the accuser moving around freely, contradicting claims of captivity and torment.
Woeltz was initially nabbed and slapped with charges in May, after the accuser, supposedly held captive, supposedly orchestrated an escape from a Manhattan townhouse. Prosecutors previously alleged the victim was bound, pummeled, and zapped as the defendants sought access to his crypto.
According to the AP report, Assistant District Attorney Sarah Khan stated videos were leaked to craft a counter-narrative, implying the accuser wasn't allowed to gallivant about as Duplessie's and Woeltz's lawyers claim. Evidence like a chainsaw and loaded pistol were discovered that support the accuser's story, alongside images of him with a gun to his skull and engulfed in flames. However, no burn marks were found on the alleged victim since the suspects swiftly doused the flames, often by peeing on him, per the AP.
The prosecution believes there might be two additional victims in different locations and suspects that the duo has held people against their will in the past. With convictions, they could face life behind bars. They've been detained until their next court date on July 15.
A third individual was nabbed and charged in connection to the scheme but subsequently released.
Cyberattacks and kidnappings targeting crypto Investors have garnered public attention this year, ensnaring notable figures such as Ledger CEO David Balland and the family of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat. A database of "crypto wrench attacks," or physical disputes designed to snatch digital currency, already reveals almost as many attacks in 2025 as the grand total for 2024.
State of the Art
These "wrench attacks" combines physical threats with virtual theft, often going after individuals with valuable crypto stashes. Their rise can be attributed to the rising value of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, making holders more enticing targets for crooks. Reports suggest that these incidents are frequently under-reported due to worries of revictimization.
Experts recommend using wallets that require multiple approvals before transactions to minimize risks. In 2022, the focus was predominantly on substantial cyber hacks like the Binance heist, but specific "wrench attacks" incidents during that year were sparsely detailed in the search results. Nevertheless, the idea of "wrench attacks" has gained traction in discussions about cryptocurrency security in recent times.
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The Morning Scramble Newsletter
- The ongoing trial of William Duplessie and John Woeltz, accused of kidnapping and torturing a man for crypto, has been added to the growing list of high-profile "crypto wrench attacks" this year, as reported in the general-news section.
- During the trial, defense lawyers for Duplessie and Woeltz have cited videos showing the accuser engaging in questionable activities,contradicting claims of captivity and torment.
- Although evidence like a chainsaw and loaded pistol were found, supporting the accuser's story, no burn marks were discovered since the suspects allegedly doused the flames.
- As a result of these "crypto wrench attacks," experts recommend using wallets that require multiple approvals before transactions to lessen the risk of theft, which has become more important as the value of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin increases.
