Chilling Details Emerge in $28M Manhattan Crypto Kidnapping as Family Was Tricked by WhatsApp Messages
A $28M crypto kidnapping rocked Manhattan — with the victim’s family kept in the dark by fake texts from his alleged captors.
Quick Facts
- $28 million in digital currency targeted in the kidnapping
- 17 days allegedly held captive in a luxury Manhattan apartment
- 2 suspects in custody, facing multiple felony charges
- No missing person report filed by the victim’s family
A luxury apartment in Manhattan set the stage for a real-life crypto thriller: Italian national Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan was allegedly tortured by so-called “crypto bros” for his fortune—a digital goldmine worth $28 million. All the while, his family in Italy believed he was safe, thanks to regular WhatsApp updates. But authorities now suspect those texts were faked by his alleged kidnappers.
According to New York prosecutors and sources in Italy, the captors—identified as John Woeltz and William Duplessie—ensured Michael’s parents remained unwittingly calm, while demanding access to Carturan’s digital wallet. Days blurred into weeks as the conspiracy deepened, with Carturan reportedly subjected to horrific abuses, from restraints and AirTag tracking to violence involving chainsaws and even being urinated on, in an attempt to force out his cryptocurrency password.
It wasn’t until May 25, after a family friend raised the alarm, that Michael’s parents learned the chilling truth. They raced to New York, desperate for answers about the son they thought was simply traveling.
How Did the Crypto Kidnapping Stay Hidden for 17 Days?
The suspects, dubbed “Crypto Bros,” allegedly controlled Carturan’s phone, sending reassuring texts home to maintain the cover. This digital deception meant his parents, Maurizio and Lidia, felt no urge to alert law enforcement or file a missing person report.
Maurizio, a reclusive herbalist and author of 10 books on alchemy and spirituality, eventually shuttered his shop and deleted all social media profiles, going to ground as the shocking events unfolded. Even their $1 million home near Turin was quietly put up for sale in the aftermath.
What Was Life Like Inside the Crypto Prison?
Carturan’s ordeal included periods where he was leashed, wheelchair-bound, and closely monitored by an Apple AirTag. Videos of wild parties emerged, but investigators now believe they masked an atmosphere of intimidation and violence. Carturan finally managed to escape on May 23, flagging down a traffic cop who rushed him to safety.
Investigators allege the kidnappers resorted to brutal tactics: pistol-whipping, threats to family back in Italy, and forced isolation. The apparent motive was simple—access to an enormous cryptocurrency wallet, part of a growing tide of digital asset crime worldwide. For more on crypto crime and safety, visit FBI or consult resources at Coinbase.
Q&A: What Charges Do the Crypto Bros Face?
- Q: What are John Woeltz and William Duplessie charged with?
- A: Kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, assault, and weapons possession.
- Q: Will the case unravel in court?
- A: Duplessie’s lawyer claims the facts are “hotly disputed.” Both men remain in custody without bail as new evidence emerges.
How to Protect Yourself from Crypto Crime in 2025
- Keep digital wallets and passwords offline when possible.
- Avoid sharing travel or wealth details on social media (Instagram).
- Use trusted, secure messaging platforms—be vigilant for fake texts.
- Alert authorities immediately if unusual activity or communication occurs.
- Consider private security for large cryptocurrency holdings.
Checklist: What to Do if You Suspect Crypto Fraud or Kidnapping
- Immediately cease responding to suspicious texts or messages.
- Contact local law enforcement and provide all communications.
- Inform your country’s consulate or embassy for international incidents.
- Secure digital assets and enable multifactor authentication.
- Monitor family and associates for unusual requests or threats.
Stay informed, safeguard your assets, and don’t let digital wealth make you a target. Share this article to spread the word!