Simply put
- Two men claimed their code was taken and they were tortured, appearing in New York and pleading not guilty on Wednesday.
- Their lawyers assert that the accuser was seen moving freely on the day he was allegedly captured.
- This case is part of a growing trend of “wrench attacks” involving cryptocurrency this year.
The two individuals, who reportedly endured torture for Bitcoin access, mentioned that they were able to roam around New York freely on the day their lawyers made these allegations.
Attorneys representing William Duplessie and John Woeltz argued that the accuser appeared relaxed and happy in a video that shows him laughing and smiling.
“The account he presents just doesn’t add up,” Dupressy’s lawyer, Sam Torkin, said in court on Wednesday.
Woeltz’s lawyer noted that a witness had informed him that the accuser had indeed moved around without restraint, countering claims of captivity and torture.
Woeltz was initially arrested in late May after the accuser allegedly escaped from a Manhattan residence. Prosecutors stated he was held, beaten, and electrocuted while trying to access the code.
Assistant District Attorney Sarah Khan pointed out that video evidence supposedly contradicts the accused’s lawyers, showing that the accuser wasn’t free to leave as they claim.
Authorities reported finding chainsaws and firearms, supporting the accuser’s narrative. Reports suggest the accused attempted to extinguish flames on the victim’s body quickly, potentially explaining the absence of severe burn marks.
Additionally, there are suspicions that there could be two more victims involved, indicating that the defendant may have previously detained individuals against their will.
The two men face serious charges, including first-degree luring and assault, which could lead to life sentences if convicted. They’ve been denied bail and are set for their next court appearance on July 15.
A third individual has also been arrested in connection with the case but was released shortly after.
This year has seen a rise in physical assaults and deceptive schemes aimed at cryptocurrency investors, with various high-profile targets.
Physical attacks classified as “wrench attacks”—meant to forcibly seize someone’s access codes—have reportedly surged in 2025 compared to previous years.
