Two NYPD detectives — including one who serves on Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail — have been placed on modified duty as authorities probe apparent links to the crypto torture case, The Post has learned.
Among them is an off-duty detective who is believed to have driven Italian Bitcoin millionaire, Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, from the airport to a ritzy SoHo townhouse on May 6 where he was allegedly held captive and tortured for weeks by a pair of hard-partying crypto bros, sources said.
That detective was assigned to protect Hizzoner but had been doing private security on the side, according to the sources.
New York police officers arrest John Woeltz on Friday, May 23, 2025. AP
William Duplessie, an alleged accomplice in the cryptocurrency torture case, is brought to central booking. Gregory P. MangoMeanwhile, the second NYPD detective was also believed to be working with alleged captors — John Woeltz and William Duplessie — in an unauthorized capacity, the sources added.
The Mayor’s Office confirmed the two detectives had been placed on leave — adding they were “disturbed” by the allegations.
Video exclusively obtained by NBC shows a first look at the Italian businessman and alleged kidnapping victim. WNBC“Every city employee is expected to follow the law, including our officers, both on and off duty,” a spokesperson said.
“We are disturbed by these allegations, and as soon as it came to our attention, the officers were placed on modified duty. The investigation is ongoing.”
Woeltz, 37, and Duplessie, 33, are accused of luring the Italian millionaire to the SoHo pad and then torturing him for his Bitcoin password.
John Woeltz being arrested in his bathrobe. Obtained by NY PostThe saga only came to light after the victim managed to escape, bloodied and barefoot, last Friday when his captors were distracted, cops said.
He alleged he’d been severely beaten, drugged, shocked with electrical wires and threatened with death for nearly three weeks.
