In a bizarre incident that blends crypto greed with casual kidnapping, two lavish lifestyle-loving investors are accused of torturing an Italian businessman for his $30 million Bitcoin password—while partying in the Hamptons, no less.

The alleged ordeal, which reportedly involved 17 days of captivity where Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan was tortured for access to his Bitcoin fortune, highlights a troubling trend where the pursuit of digital currency can lead even the most extravagant individuals to embrace a criminal underworld—complete with house parties that sound more like a horror movie set than a summer escape. As the suspects, William Duplessie and John Woeltz, flaunted their wealth and club-hopping lifestyle, they may have overlooked one crucial fact: you can’t just 'blockchain' your way out of a kidnapping charge.

The sordid saga unfolded in a rented SoHo townhouse, boasting a hefty monthly fee of $30,000 to $40,000. Given the decor, the ambiance likely screamed 'luxury' while simultaneously whispering 'criminal syndicate.' Evidence found at the scene included the usual suspects of crime dramas—cocaine, a chainsaw, chicken wire, body armor, and night vision goggles—conspicuously absent from any interior design catalog. Not to mention the Polaroid photos depicting Carturan with a gun drawn ominously near his head; a bold but questionable choice for a décor item.

Carturan's 17-day captivity from May 6 to May 23, 2025, would have tested the patience of even the most enduring cryptocurrency investor. Reports suggest that he endured a variety of torturous methods including being Tased and threatened with firearms, again cementing the notion that some approaches to investment advice are far more brutal than others. Rather than using market analysis, Duplessie and Woeltz seemed to favor a more hands-on approach—specifically, hands on guns and chainsaws.

As if the nightmare wasn’t profound enough, Duplessie made headlines—this time of a lighter sort—by turning himself in to the police after enjoying what can only be described as a debauched holiday in the Hamptons over Memorial Day weekend. Just imagine the juxtaposition—while Duplessie sipped cocktails with friends likely blissfully unaware of his prior criminal activities, Carturan was struggling against the elements of torture. It’s the kind of disconnect that could inspire a 'reality' show—though maybe not one you’d want to watch over dinner.

Coinciding with his arrest was the fact that Carturan had managed to escape his captors, flagging down a traffic officer for assistance. In a remarkable turn of events that may or may not have made front-page news in the world of law enforcement, this self-proclaimed Bitcoin mogul proved that despite the odds, he still had a reliable way of getting through even the toughest of investments—by literally running for help.

Woeltz’s arrest on May 24 further complicated this bizarre narrative. The man with a reported net worth exceeding $100 million already had a taste of legal trouble in Switzerland for allegedly beating his fiancée. One can only wonder if he thought his capital could protect him from the consequences of such reckless actions—spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

Interestingly, Duplessie's attorney claimed that the particulars of the case would show his involvement to be 'hotly disputed,' which is an intriguing stance. One might inquire how being found with a saw, photos of an impending execution, and other unsavory items might fall into the realm of mere disputation. Perhaps he presumes that a chainsaw could somehow be branded as a pristine gardening tool, lost in a mundane discussion of hedge trimming gone awry.

As a cherry on top of this horrific cupcake, Beatrice Folchi—a 24-year-old woman linked to Duplessie and Woeltz—was detained, though no charges were pressed pending further investigation. It’s unclear if she was merely an innocent party among the chaos or an accomplice who thought the soiree was merely a mix of finance and farce. In the intricate drama of finance-fueled miscues, she might just be an unwitting participant in a terrible crime.

Neighbors, meanwhile, were reportedly disturbed by excessive noise coming from the townhouse, leading to multiple complaints—perhaps that’s what you get when you mix hundreds of thousands of dollars in Bitcoin bravado and chainsaw sounds in a cramped New York City dwelling. The party atmosphere was likely one that not even the most fervent cryptocurrency enthusiasts would endorse.

In summary, while the notion of cryptocurrency has unlocked brilliant new technologies and opportunities, the actions of Duplessie and Woeltz have certainly articulated a wholly neglected section of investment education. A far cry from financial seminars or TED Talks, their escapade underscores that the road to wealth can too often lure individuals into dark sides of the digital currency world. For Carturan, the horror of being held captive will outweigh any profits from trading, demonstrating that when it comes to Bitcoin, it might not just be your account password at risk—it could very well be your life.