Who are crypto investor John Woeltz, assistant held for kidnapping and torture of Italian man in New York?
A shocking case has gripped New York City’s SoHo neighborhood after authorities arrested John Woeltz, a wealthy cryptocurrency investor, and his assistant, Beatrice Folchi, in connection with the kidnapping and torture of an Italian man. The incident has sent ripples through both the crypto community and local residents, raising questions about motive, security, and the dark side of digital wealth.
Who is John Woeltz?
John Woeltz, 37, is a prominent crypto investor originally from Kentucky, reportedly with a net worth of around $100 million. He had been renting a luxury townhouse in Manhattan’s Nolita/SoHo area for $30,000 to $40,000 per month. Known for his lavish lifestyle, Woeltz was described as a well-dressed, affluent individual who gave little indication of the violence that would later be uncovered.
The Crime: Kidnapping and Torture for Bitcoin
On May 6, 2025, a 28-year-old Italian man, Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, arrived in New York and visited Woeltz’s upscale residence. According to police and prosecutors, what began as a business meeting quickly turned into a nightmare. Woeltz, allegedly with the help of at least one accomplice, seized the victim’s electronic devices and passport, then demanded the password to his Bitcoin account.
When the victim refused, he was subjected to weeks of brutal torture:
- Bound with electrical wire and fitted with an Apple AirTag to monitor his movements
- Beaten, shocked with electric wires, pistol-whipped, and threatened with a chainsaw
- Forced to take drugs and urinated on
- Threatened with the death of his family in Italy if he did not comply
- Dangled over a stairwell and had a gun repeatedly pointed at his head
Police later found Polaroid photographs documenting the abuse, as well as weapons and torture devices inside the townhouse.
The Escape and Arrest
After nearly three weeks in captivity, the victim managed a daring escape on May 23. He flagged down a traffic agent, who immediately called police. Officers responded to the scene, found the injured man, and quickly arrested Woeltz, who was barefoot and wearing a bathrobe. The victim was hospitalized and is now in stable condition.
Beatrice Folchi, 24, identified as Woeltz’s assistant, was also arrested and charged with kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment. However, her exact role and relationship to Woeltz remain unclear, and prosecutors have said her case is pending further investigation.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Shock
Authorities are still searching for a third, unapprehended male suspect believed to have participated in the abuse. The motive appears to have been an attempt to steal the victim’s cryptocurrency, a crime that has become increasingly common as digital assets grow in value and are often difficult to trace or recover.
Neighbors and local business owners expressed disbelief at the crime, noting that Woeltz seemed like just another wealthy resident in the area. The case has also highlighted concerns about the risks faced by those involved in the high-stakes world of cryptocurrency.
Conclusion
John Woeltz, once known for his crypto fortune and luxury lifestyle, now faces multiple felony charges including kidnapping, assault, and unlawful imprisonment. As the investigation continues, the case stands as a grim reminder of how the pursuit of digital riches can sometimes lead to real-world violence and tragedy
Who is crypto investor John Woeltz and what is his background
John Woeltz is a 37-year-old cryptocurrency investor originally from Kentucky who has recently come into the spotlight following his arrest in New York City on serious charges, including kidnapping, torture, and unlawful imprisonment. Woeltz was living in a luxury Manhattan townhouse, reportedly paying between $30,000 and $40,000 per month in rent. He was known in the local area as a wealthy, well-dressed individual, but maintained a low public profile, with little verified presence on social media.
Woeltz’s background in the crypto industry is notable. He was involved in Kentucky’s 2021 Blockchain Technology Working Group as an administrative support contributor, helping coordinate state-level blockchain initiatives under the “Bluegrass Blockchain” banner. He also participated in Ethereum hackathons, including being part of a winning team at ETHSanFrancisco, where he worked on smart contract applications. Woeltz described himself in interviews and at local meetups as an entrepreneur and investor with nearly a decade of experience in Silicon Valley startups. He led blockchain-focused events in Paducah, Kentucky, sharing his expertise on decentralized finance projects.
Despite his professional achievements, Woeltz’s recent arrest has shocked both the crypto community and local residents. Police allege that he lured an Italian business associate to New York under false pretenses, then held him captive in his high-end apartment for weeks, attempting to force him to hand over cryptocurrency credentials through violent means. The case remains under investigation, with authorities examining whether Woeltz acted alone or had further accomplices
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