Manhattan trader accused of torturing Italian for cryptocurrency

On May 23, American crypto investor John Weltz was arrested and faced serious charges in Manhattan Criminal Court. According to law enforcement, Weltz allegedly kidnapped and held a 28-year-old Italian citizen for several weeks in a luxurious five-level townhouse in the SoHo district, reportedly rented for $30,000 per month.

Criminal acts

According to investigation materials, the victim arrived in the U.S. on May 6. He was allegedly kidnapped by Weltz and his accomplice. The perpetrators took his passport and electronic devices, then began demanding the password to his bitcoin wallet.

When the man refused, he was subjected to torture. According to the victim, he was beaten, shocked with electricity, threatened with firearms, and even suspended from upper floors of the house. One of the most shocking claims was that Weltz forced the victim to take drugs. The perpetrators also threatened to harm his family.

Evidence of the crime

Law enforcement seized photographic evidence from the scene, including Polaroid photos confirming prolonged physical abuse. The victim managed to escape only on May 23, after which he reported the incident and provided a full account of what he had endured.