A New York City Police detective assigned to Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail will be questioned in relation to a bizarre crypto currency kidnapping and torture plot after he allegedly delivered the victim to his tormentors, according to multiple law enforcement officials briefed on the case. It is not clear if the detective had any knowledge or any role in the multiple assaults, officials said, adding that is a key question that investigators are trying to answer. The investigation comes after two people, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, were charged in the case. Prosecutors said they were involved in holding a 28-year-old wealthy Italian cryptocurrency trader hostage for several weeks as part of a violent scheme to obtain his Bitcoin password, the Manhattan District Attorney said. The victim, who has not been named by investigators, was ultimately able to escape. Both men have pleaded not guilty. Duplessie’s attorney declined to comment on the case. CNN has reached out to Woeltz’s attorney for comment. Investigators learned that the detective, who picked up the victim on May 6 from John F. Kennedy International Airport, was working “off-duty employment” providing security for Woeltz, a Crypto entrepreneur, sources said. The detective was contacted by NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau and has been placed on “modified assignment,” meaning his badge and guns have been taken and he is assigned to administrative duties as the investigation into the plot continues. A second detective, assigned to the Narcotics Division, was also placed on modified assignment as part of the same investigation, according to the officials. Investigators also do not know whether that detective had any awareness of the plot or involvement in it. The union representing the detectives declined to comment. Two members of the NYPD were placed on modified duty Wednesday, an NYPD spokesperson told the Associated Press. CNN has reached out to the mayor’s office and the NYPD for more information. Adams’ office confirmed one of the detectives provides security detail for the mayor, but said the mayor has no knowledge of what the officer does on his personal time, the Associated Press reported. “Every city employee is expected to follow the law, including our officers, both on and off duty,” the mayor’s office told the Associated Press. “We are disturbed by these allegations.” Prosecutors say the victim in the kidnapping plot was tortured for days, threatened to be killed and at one point dangled over a railing if he did not give up his Bitcoin password. When the victim refused, he was subjected to beatings that included but were “not limited to,” using electric wires to shock him, pointing a firearm at his head and using that firearm to strike him in the head, they said. The two men also bound the victim’s wrists and said they would have his family killed, according to the district attorney. Both detectives being questioned in relation to the case were apparently hired through a private security and investigation company run by a retired NYPD sergeant, sources told CNN. The NYPD had no record of either detective applying for, or being approved for, off duty employment, the process by which an NYPD employee can pick up other work outside the department, law enforcement sources told CNN. Officials briefed on the investigation are considering several questions, including if the detectives have any knowledge or any role in the multiple assaults.
Detective assigned to NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail allegedly dropped off victim in crypto kidnapping case, sources say
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"NYPD Detective Under Investigation in Cryptocurrency Kidnapping Case Involving Mayor's Security Detail"
CNN
7.7
TruthLens AI Summary
A detective from the New York City Police Department, who is part of Mayor Eric Adams' security detail, is under scrutiny in connection with a disturbing kidnapping and torture case involving a cryptocurrency trader. According to sources familiar with the investigation, the detective is suspected of having delivered the victim to his captors. While it remains unclear whether the detective was aware of the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping or played any active role in the assaults, investigators are focused on determining his involvement. The case has already seen two individuals, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, charged for allegedly holding a wealthy 28-year-old Italian cryptocurrency trader hostage for several weeks in an effort to extract his Bitcoin password. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, managed to escape from his captors. Both suspects have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, with Duplessie’s attorney opting not to comment on the matter. Attempts to reach Woeltz’s legal counsel for a statement have also been made by CNN.
The investigation has led to the detective being placed on modified assignment, which entails the suspension of his badge and firearms while he is reassigned to administrative duties. Another detective, linked to the Narcotics Division, has also been placed under similar modified duty as part of the ongoing inquiry. Notably, both detectives were reportedly employed through a private security firm managed by a retired NYPD sergeant, yet the NYPD has no documentation confirming that either detective sought or received authorization for off-duty employment. This raises further questions about the legitimacy of their actions. Mayor Adams' office has acknowledged the detective's role in his security detail but emphasized that he is not privy to the officer's personal activities outside of official duties. The mayor's office expressed concern over the allegations, reiterating that all city employees, including police officers, are expected to adhere to the law at all times. The prosecutors have described the horrific ordeal faced by the victim, detailing instances of torture and threats to his life as he was pressured to reveal his Bitcoin credentials.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The news article highlights a perplexing situation involving a New York City police detective assigned to Mayor Eric Adams' security detail. Allegations have surfaced that this detective may have unwittingly delivered a kidnapping victim to his captors in a cryptocurrency-related crime. The case raises various questions about law enforcement's involvement in criminal activities, as well as the broader implications of cryptocurrency crimes.
Investigative Focus and Public Perception
The article emphasizes an ongoing investigation into the detective's actions, specifically questioning whether he had knowledge of the kidnapping plot. This focus on law enforcement's potential complicity could invoke a sense of distrust among the public regarding police integrity. Additionally, the unusual nature of the crime—a cryptocurrency kidnapping—may further sensationalize the story, appealing to readers' interests in both crime and technology.
Potential Concealment of Information
Given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved, there may be an underlying motive to distract from other pressing issues. The involvement of a mayoral security detail in a kidnapping case could suggest vulnerabilities in public safety that officials may prefer to downplay. The investigation into the detective and the subsequent administrative actions taken by the NYPD could serve as a means to manage public perception rather than provide complete transparency.
Manipulation and Reliability of the News
The article appears to be primarily factual, with a reliance on official sources and statements. However, the way in which the story is framed—highlighting the detective's connection to the mayor and the sensational aspects of the crime—could create a manipulative narrative. The manipulation ratio seems moderate, as the article raises questions without providing definitive answers, potentially leading to public speculation.
Social and Economic Implications
This incident may lead to increased scrutiny of law enforcement practices, especially concerning off-duty employment and potential conflicts of interest. The cryptocurrency angle also taps into broader societal anxieties about the safety of digital currencies, which could influence public sentiment and regulatory discussions around the crypto market.
Target Audience and Community Reactions
The article likely appeals to a diverse audience, including those interested in crime, technology, and political integrity. Communities invested in cryptocurrency might feel particularly concerned about the implications of this story for the industry’s reputation.
Impact on Financial Markets
While this specific incident may not have direct repercussions on stock markets, it raises concerns about the security of cryptocurrency investments. Companies engaged in crypto trading or security services might experience fluctuations in public confidence as a result of the story, potentially affecting their stock prices in the long run.
Geopolitical Context
The article does not directly relate to global power dynamics but reflects the growing intersection of crime and technology in urban settings. The focus on cryptocurrency issues is timely, considering ongoing global discussions about regulating digital currencies and their associated risks.
Use of AI in News Writing
There is no clear indication that AI has been employed in the writing of this article. However, if AI were involved, it could have influenced the narrative structure by emphasizing certain aspects of the story, such as the detective's relationship with the mayor or the sensational nature of the crime.
Analyzing the article reveals its potential for manipulation through the framing of events and the questions it raises. The credibility of the news is relatively high, but the sensational aspects may lead to misinterpretations or exaggerated public concern.