2 NYPD detectives on leave in connection with crypto torture case

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Two NYPD detectives were placed on modified duty after it was revealed they had prior ties to the SoHo townhouse where an Italian businessman was allegedly held and tortured by cryptocurrency investors. One off‑duty detective reportedly drove the victim to the townhouse while working a private security job for one of the suspects, a violation of NYPD rules requiring strict approval for such work. Both detectives are under Internal Affairs investigation but are believed to have had no knowledge of the crime. Meanwhile, John Woeltz, a 37‑year‑old crypto investor, was indicted for kidnapping and torturing the victim over 17 days to gain access to his Bitcoin. Woeltz remains jailed after being denied bail, while his alleged accomplice awaits indictment. The victim escaped after handing over his password and was found bloodied and shoeless, ABC 7 New York has reported. Authorities discovered weapons, drugs, and threatening photos at the townhouse.