NYPD Detectives Reassigned Amid Kidnapping Investigation Involving Italian Tourist

According to ShibDaily, two New York Police Department (NYPD) detectives have been placed on modified duty following revelations of their previous connections to a Manhattan townhouse implicated in a kidnapping and torture case. The incident involves an Italian tourist and cryptocurrency investor. One detective, while off duty, reportedly transported the victim from the airport to the SoHo townhouse on May 6. The second detective, a 20-year veteran of the NYPD, is part of the Executive Protection Unit responsible for safeguarding New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This detective was allegedly working an off-duty security role for one of the suspects linked to the kidnapping when he drove the victim to the townhouse. Furthermore, he was reportedly compensated by one of the suspects for off-duty security services. The NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau has initiated an investigation to ascertain the duration of the detectives’ off-duty employment with the suspects and whether departmental approval was appropriately obtained. This case has sparked concerns due to department policy mandating a formal vetting process for officers engaging in private security work. Officials have stated that the detectives were unaware of the illegal activities occurring at the SoHo townhouse. The Mayor’s office expressed disturbance over the allegations, emphasizing that city employees, including officers, are expected to adhere to the law both on and off duty. Consequently, the detectives were reassigned to modified duty upon the allegations coming to light. John Woeltz and two alleged accomplices are accused of detaining and torturing the Italian tourist, reportedly seizing the victim’s electronic devices and passport. Authorities claim the abuse escalated over several weeks after the victim refused to disclose his Bitcoin password. Police reports indicate that the victim accused Woeltz and an accomplice of severe physical violence, including beatings, electric shocks, being struck with a firearm, and facing threats at gunpoint. The victim also alleged he was suspended from the townhouse’s upper floor and suffered a partial leg amputation with a saw. Additionally, the suspects allegedly threatened harm to the victim’s family and coerced him into smoking crack cocaine during his captivity.