Manhattan Crypto Case Sparks NYPD Misconduct Investigation

Two New York Police Department detectives are under scrutiny following disturbing allegations linking them to a brutal crypto kidnapping and torture case in Manhattan.

Cops Connected to Crypto Torture House

According to multiple reports, Detectives Roberto Cordero and Raymond J. Low have been assigned to modified duty as the department’s Internal Affairs division investigates their alleged involvement in a high-profile crypto case. The New York Times reports that Cordero, who serves on Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail, picked up the victim, Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, from the airport and drove him to a Manhattan townhouse.

Carturan, a crypto trader, claimed he was kidnapped and tortured at the property before managing to escape on May 22. Authorities say Cordero and Low were also seen providing security at the location, with one officer allegedly working off-duty and the other paid by a suspect.

Mayor Adams’ office told ABC11, “We are disturbed by these allegations, and as soon as it came to our attention, the officers were placed on modified duty.”

Alleged Victim Targeted for His Crypto Wealth

Carturan alleges he was held captive for 17 days by two men—John Woeltz and William Duplessie—who attempted to extract his crypto wallet passphrase. Carturan, believed to be worth around $30 million, described harrowing abuse including being tied up with electrical cords, electrocuted, and nearly mutilated with a chainsaw.

Woeltz, known as the “crypto king” of Kentucky, was indicted by a grand jury on May 29. His attorney’s request for bail was denied. Duplessie, a Swiss national and co-founder of Pangea Blockchain Fund, is awaiting indictment.

Prior Complaints Raise Questions

Both detectives have past complaints that are now drawing renewed attention:

• Roberto Cordero has served 20 years with the NYPD and faced four civilian complaints, including two for abuse of authority. One incident led to disciplinary action in 2009. Another complaint from 2014, alleging excessive force, was not resolved due to lack of cooperation from the complainant.
• Raymond J. Low has had nine complaints, including serious accusations of using a chokehold and making a false statement. He currently awaits resolution on two cases related to a November 2023 incident. His most recent complaint was filed in January 2024.

NYPD officers are prohibited from working private security without department approval. The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed against the detectives at this time.