A Shocking Crime in a Luxury NYC Apartment
When people hear “crypto investor,” they often think of tech, finance, or digital wealth. But in this horrifying true story from May 2025, a luxury townhouse in Manhattan became the setting of a violent attempt to steal cryptocurrency through kidnapping and torture.
The Victim: A Business Trip That Turned Into a Nightmare
Michael Carturan, a 28-year-old Italian businessman, flew to New York after being invited by crypto investor John Woeltz. The two had worked together before. After Michael got to New York, he was reportedly locked inside a luxury apartment in SoHo, where things quickly turned into a nightmare.
The Torture: Electric Shocks, Chainsaws, and Death Threats
According to police reports and media sources, Carturan endured two weeks of beatings, electric shocks, drugging, and death threats. Woeltz and another man allegedly tried to force him to give up his Bitcoin wallet password, threatening him with a chainsaw and taking photos with a gun to his head possibly to use for extortion.
The Escape: Running Barefoot for Help
On May 23, Carturan made a daring escape. He ran barefoot into the street and approached a traffic officer. Police responded quickly and arrested Woeltz, who was still inside the apartment barefoot and wearing only a bathrobe.
What the Police Found Inside
Authorities discovered evidence of violence, including:
- Ammunition and body armor
- A saw and chicken wire
- Drug paraphernalia
- Polaroids of the victim under duress
The apartment had been turned into a place of psychological and physical torment.
The Arrest and Legal Fallout
Police arrested John Woeltz and charged him with kidnapping, assault, and holding someone against their will. Since he owns a private jet and a helicopter, the judge decided not to let him out on bail. Another person involved, said to be a crypto investor from Switzerland, is expected to turn himself in soon.
Bigger Picture: Is Crypto Making People a Target?
This case raises serious questions about the dark side of cryptocurrency. Crypto wallets hold huge sums of untraceable money—making investors potential targets. As digital wealth grows, criminals may turn to physical violence when cyber theft isn’t enough.
Final Thoughts: The Crypto World Needs Stronger Safeguards
Michael Carturan’s story is horrifying, but not totally unexpected in today’s world of anonymous wealth. This isn’t just a true crime story, it’s a wake-up call for crypto holders, law enforcement, and financial platforms alike.
