From Cointelegraph

May 25, 2025 03:01:00 AM:

A Manhattan crypto investor, John Woeltz, faces charges for allegedly kidnapping and torturing an Italian man to access digital assets. The victim endured physical abuse, including being beaten, shocked, and forced to smoke crack cocaine in a luxury townhouse. Photographic evidence supports claims. Woeltz pleads not guilty and remains in custody without bail.

Executives and investors in the crypto industry are seeking personal security services amid a surge in kidnapping and ransom cases. French authorities are enhancing protections for crypto entrepreneurs and their families. Recent cases include the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland and the rescue of a kidnapped crypto entrepreneur’s father.

Read more at Cointelegraph: Crypto investor charged with kidnapping, torturing an Italian for passwords