NYPD Officers Reassigned Amid Crypto Trader Torture Case

Two New York Police Department officers have been reassigned to modified duties following allegations linking them to a townhouse where a crypto trader was reportedly kidnapped and tortured. The officers, NYPD detective Roberto Cordero and NYPD detective Raymond J. Low, are accused of involvement in the case of Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, who claimed he was held captive for 17 days and subjected to severe torture.

Cordero, who serves on New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail, is alleged to have picked up Carturan from the airport and driven him to the townhouse. Both Cordero and Low are said to have provided security at the location. The officers were placed on modified duties pending an investigation by the NYPD’s Internal Affairs division. NYPD officers are not permitted to work for private security firms without department approval, and the investigation is ongoing.

Carturan, who has an estimated net worth of around $30 million, was allegedly held captive as part of an attempt to pressure him into revealing his crypto wallet phrase. The suspects, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, have been charged with kidnapping and torturing Carturan. Woeltz, known as the “crypto king” of Kentucky, and Duplessie, a co-founder of the crypto-focused venture capital firm Pangea Blockchain Fund, are accused of using extreme methods to extract information from Carturan, including tying him up with electrical cords, electrocuting him, and using a taser on his submerged feet. An electric chainsaw was also held to his leg with the threat of amputation.

Woeltz was indicted by a grand jury and denied bail, while Duplessie is awaiting his indictment. Cordero, a 20-year NYPD veteran, has faced four civilian complaints, including two for abuse of authority, with one resulting in disciplinary action. Low has had nine complaints filed against him, including allegations of excessive force and providing false statements. Both officers are currently under investigation for their roles in the case.