Bitcoin Kidnapping Case Collides with Reality TV Drama
The Bitcoin kidnapping case, which made headlines over a year ago, has taken an unexpected turn. In May 2025, Italian crypto investor Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan escaped from a Manhattan townhouse where he had been held and allegedly tortured for his wallet credentials. The suspects, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, were arrested and charged with kidnapping, assault, and coercion.
According to prosecutors, Carturan was beaten, shocked with electrical wires, threatened with firearms, and cut with a chainsaw during his 17-day captivity. He was also forced to take drugs and urinated on. Police discovered weapons, ammunition, body armor, night-vision equipment, and blood at the townhouse.
The case has become complicated by the involvement of Charlie Zakkour, a cast member of Bravo's Next Gen NYC reality show. Zakkour had connections to Woeltz and Duplessie and was seen outside the townhouse during Woeltz's arrest. He helped bring guests to parties at the townhouse and was called by a frightened woman during Woeltz's birthday celebrations.
The defense strategy has been to present evidence that Carturan participated voluntarily in a prolonged party environment, rather than being held against his will. The prosecution argues that Carturan attempted to fit in because he feared what would happen if he resisted.