The next court hearing is scheduled for October 15. In the meantime, both men are required to wear ankle monitors, hand over their passports, and report for security checks every 72 hours.

Crime reporter Lauren Conlin, who was present at the hearing, shared on X that the defense described the situation as a form of hazing, not a crime, by referring to it as “17 days of shenanigans”.

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The case began on May 6 when a cryptocurrency trader from Italy arrived in New York. Prosecutors said he was taken after landing and held against his will for several weeks.

During that time, the suspects allegedly tried to force him to give up access to his Bitcoin
BTC


$116,559.70

According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the man was reportedly beaten, shocked with wires, and hit with a gun. The attackers also told him they would hurt his family if he did not cooperate.

The victim eventually escaped and asked a traffic officer for help. He was taken to the hospital with injuries that matched his story.

Police later arrested Woeltz at the scene. Duplessie turned himself in several days after the escape. Investigators noted that the kidnapping was carefully planned.

Meanwhile, the London gang was convicted after abducting a Belgian barber they wrongly believed was rich in crypto. How did that happen? Read the full story.

According to a report by Associated Press on June 12, their lawyers told the court that the alleged victim was not being held against his will and was seen smiling, laughing, and using drugs during the time he claimed to be in danger.

Duplessie and Woeltz appeared in a New York courtroom on June 11. Their legal teams said video clips showed the victim walking around New York and looking relaxed. They argued that it did not match the claim that he was being held captive and tortured.

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Prosecutors pushed back on the defense’s claims. Assistant District Attorney Sarah Khan stated that the videos were shared in an attempt to create a false version of what happened. She said the goal was to make it seem like the man was free to leave, even though the full situation was different.

Authorities said they found photos of the victim with a gun to his head and another showing him being set on fire. They also recovered weapons, including a chainsaw and a loaded pistol, from the scene. They also stated that there may be two more individuals who were held by the same suspects in other locations.

Both Duplessie and Woeltz are facing serious charges, including first-degree kidnapping and assault. If found guilty, they could face a life sentence in prison. The judge denied their requests for bail, which means they will stay in custody until their next court date on July 15.

Meanwhile, on June 9, the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced guilty pleas from five men. What case were they involved in? Read the full story.