William Duplessie, once romantically linked to President Biden’s niece Caroline Biden, stands accused of kidnapping and torturing a cryptocurrency millionaire in a high-profile case that has also implicated NYPD officers.
At a Glance
- William Duplessie and John Woeltz are charged with kidnapping and torturing an Italian tourist for his Bitcoin password
- Duplessie allegedly had a past romantic relationship with Caroline Biden, President Joe Biden’s niece
- Two NYPD officers, including one from Mayor Adams’ security detail, have been placed on modified duty for their suspected involvement
- The victim was reportedly held captive for 17 days in a $21 million townhouse described as a “high-end frat house”
- Duplessie reportedly claimed CIA connections and had expressed ambitions to run for Senate in Kentucky
NYPD Officers Implicated in Crypto Kidnapping Case
Two members of the New York Police Department, including a detective assigned to Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail, have been placed on modified duty following allegations of their involvement in the kidnapping case. The detective allegedly provided security at the townhouse where the victim was held captive and may have transported him to the location. The Internal Affairs Bureau has launched an investigation to determine the full extent of the officers’ participation in the incident.
“Members of the service were modified yesterday. The matter is under internal review,” the NYPD confirmed in a statement regarding the officers’ status.
City Hall officials have expressed concern over the allegations, emphasizing that all city employees are expected to uphold the law. “Every city employee is expected to follow the law, including our officers, both on and off duty. 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.”
The Kidnapping and Bitcoin Extortion
According to authorities, cryptocurrency businessmen William Duplessie and John Woeltz lured Italian tourist Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan to New York, where they allegedly held him captive for 17 days. During this time, the victim was reportedly tortured to force him to reveal his Bitcoin password. After eventually surrendering the password, Carturan managed to escape his captors. A subsequent search of the townhouse revealed evidence that supported the victim’s claims.
The townhouse where the alleged torture took place was rented for at least $30,000 monthly and valued at approximately $21 million. Neighbors described the residence as a “high-end frat house” known for loud partying, though they remained unaware of the alleged criminal activities taking place inside. Woeltz, one of the accused, is reportedly a prominent cryptocurrency trader with significant wealth.
Duplessie’s Connections to Biden Family and Political Ambitions
Adding a political dimension to the case, sources claim that Duplessie was previously romantically involved with Caroline Biden, niece of President Joe Biden. While the exact nature and timeline of their relationship remain unclear, this connection has drawn additional attention to the case. Caroline Biden herself has a history of legal troubles, including a DUI arrest in 2019 and a 2017 arrest for spending $110,000 on a stolen credit card.
“William would say he works with the CIA and that he did a big arms deal,” revealed a source familiar with Duplessie, highlighting his tendency to boast about connections to intelligence agencies and international arms dealing.
Beyond his alleged criminal activities, Duplessie reportedly harbored political ambitions. According to sources, “He would tell people he was running to be a Senator in Kentucky,” though no official campaign was ever launched. These claims of government connections and political aspirations paint a picture of a man who sought to cultivate an image of power and influence.
Legal Proceedings and Defense
Duplessie now faces serious charges including kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, assault, and weapons possession. An indictment has been secured against him, though his attorney maintains that many aspects of the case are being contested. “The facts here are hotly disputed, his involvement is hotly disputed,” stated Duplessie’s attorney Sanford Talkin, suggesting that the defense will challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
The relationship between the victim and the accused appears to be complex, with reports indicating previous non-violent altercations before the alleged kidnapping. As the investigation continues, further details about the nature of their relationship and the events leading up to the incident may emerge, potentially affecting how the case proceeds through the legal system.
