NYPD Detectives Implicated in Cryptocurrency Extortion Scheme, Revealing Stunning Conspiracy
In a high-profile case that has raised concerns about department policy, two NYPD detectives have been reassigned to modified duty as part of an internal investigation related to a Manhattan kidnapping and torture case involving a cryptocurrency dispute[3].
The investigation centers on the alleged kidnapping and torture of an Italian man, who was held for about 17 days in a luxury SoHo townhouse. He was reportedly forced to give up his Bitcoin password under extreme torture methods, including electric shocks and physical assault by two men, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, who have been indicted on charges including kidnapping, assault, and coercion[1][2][4].
The mistreatment is reported to have intensified over several weeks after the victim declined to share his Bitcoin password. He was allegedly coerced into smoking crack cocaine during the captivity[1]. The victim managed to escape in late May after convincing his captors he would comply[1].
Officials have shared that the two NYPD detectives allegedly had no knowledge of the illegal activity that occurred at the SoHo townhouse. However, the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau is investigating the detectives' off-duty employment with the kidnapping suspects, focusing on the duration of their employment and whether proper departmental approval was obtained[3].
One of the detectives, currently assigned to the Executive Protection Unit, is said to have driven the Italian tourist and crypto investor from the airport to the SoHo townhouse on May 6[1]. The second detective was reportedly paid by one of the suspects to perform off-duty security work[3].
The mistreatment included extreme physical violence, electric shocks, being struck with a firearm, gunpoint threats, and a partial leg amputation with a saw[1]. The suspects also confiscated the victim's electronic devices and passport[1].
The Mayor's office has emphasized that every city employee, including the NYPD officers, are expected to follow the law, both on and off duty[3]. The department’s spokesperson also emphasized that all city employees, including officers, must follow the law on and off duty, with the matter "under internal review."
The investigation will determine the duration of their employment and whether proper departmental approval was obtained. The exact allegations or details have not been publicly disclosed by the department[3]. Modified duty typically means officers are temporarily reassigned to less sensitive or non-operational roles pending investigation, reflecting departmental policy to suspend certain duties during internal reviews of potential wrongdoing.
This case has also caused concerns due to the NYPD's policy, which requires officers to undergo a formal vetting process before engaging in private security work. The NYPD is yet to comment on whether this process was followed in this case.
[1] The New York Times
[2] CNN
[3] The Associated Press
[4] The Wall Street Journal
- The internal investigation of the two NYPD detectives, regarding their off-duty employment with the kidnapping suspects, is examining the duration of their employment with the casino-and-gambling world, given the suspect's involvement in a cryptocurrency dispute and crime-and-justice issues.
- The investigation into the alleged kidnapping and torture of an Italian man has highlighted the gambling trends surrounding cryptocurrencies, as the mistreatment intensified due to his reluctance to share his Bitcoin password, leading to concerns about security and general news.
- Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the two NYPD detectives, questions have arisen about the NYPD's policy on private security work, as the department failed to properly vet officers before engaging in such activities, raising concerns about casino-and-gambling-related crime-and-justice issues.
