Crypto Investor Accused of Torture and Kidnapping in NYC Soho Townhouse

Soho Torture Chamber Allegations

• 💡 A crypto investor is accused of holding an Italian man captive and torturing him in a luxurious Soho townhouse.
• 📌 The victim reportedly refused to hand over his Bitcoin password, leading to alleged pistol-whipping, beatings, and death threats.
• ⛓️ Court documents reveal the suspect threatened to kill the victim while demanding access to his cryptocurrency.

Victim's Escape and Police Investigation

• 🏃‍♂️ A 28-year-old Italian man escaped the home on Friday morning and alerted an on-duty traffic officer, stating he had been kidnapped and tortured since May 6.
• 🏥 The victim was taken to the hospital in stable condition.
• 📸 Polaroid photos of the victim while tied up and abused were allegedly taken to extort his family for the Bitcoin password.
• 🕵️ NYPD investigators were seen collecting evidence from the nearly 10,000 square foot home, which was reportedly rented for $75,000 a month.

Suspect and Additional Arrests

• ⚖️ The crypto investor, John Waltz, originally from Kentucky, has been arraigned on multiple charges including second-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm.
• 🔒 He is being held without bail, and his passport has been surrendered.
• 👥 A 24-year-old woman has also been arrested in connection with the case, and another man is wanted for questioning.