Italian crypto millionaire escapes torture after kidnapping, runs barefoot to NYPD officer

An Italian crypto millionaire was caught on camera escaping from the luxury SoHo townhouse after allegedly being tortured for his cryptocurrency password.

Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan , a well-known bitcoin trader, was seen barefoot and visibly shaken as he approached an NYPD traffic officer on Friday, according to exclusive footage obtained by NBC New York. Police say the video was taken just moments after he fled the Prince Street property, where he had been held against his will.

According to investigators, Carturan endured brutal treatment at the hands of his captors, who were trying to force him to hand over access to his digital fortune.

John Woeltz, a Kentucky-based crypto investor often called the “crypto king,” has been arrested and charged with kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, assault, and weapons possession in connection with the incident.

William Duplessie, another bitcoin trader, turned himself in to police on Tuesday after being named a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.

Woeltz’s assistant, Beatrice Folchi, an Italian national, was also taken into custody on Friday but was later released after prosecutors said more evidence was needed before moving forward.

The investigation remains ongoing.