NYC Crypto Kidnapping: 17 Days of Torture, Bitcoin Millions at Stake

In a shocking turn of events, two cryptocurrency investors in New York City have been indicted on charges of kidnapping and torture. The victim, an Italian millionaire, was held captive for 17 days in their SoHo townhouse and subjected to brutal treatment, including electric shocks and forced drug use, all in an attempt to obtain his Bitcoin password. "To be tortured for 17 days—in terms of a chainsaw cutting your leg, putting his feet in water and electrocuting him, making a person ingest narcotics—horrible crime," stated NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell. The suspects were apprehended after the victim managed to escape and alert authorities. This case is particularly disturbing given the recent string of similar attacks targeting crypto tycoons in Paris, where French police have arrested more than 20 individuals involved in kidnapping plots. Alexandre Aimono, co-founder of Seqlenese, commented on the rising security concerns within the crypto community, stating, "I don't go to certain crypto meetings anymore where I had the habit to go before." The high value of Bitcoin (currently over $100,000) makes cryptocurrency investors prime targets for these violent crimes. This incident underscores the growing need for enhanced security measures within the cryptocurrency industry and highlights the severe consequences of such criminal activity. The ongoing investigations in both New York and Paris aim to bring those responsible to justice and deter future attacks.