Crypto investor (37) charged with kidnapping and torture

A 37-year-old US cryptocurrency investor was charged in New York on Saturday.

He is said to have kidnapped an Italian tourist and abused over three weeks in a New York town house.

The aim of the torture was to the password for Bitcoin-to blackmail the victim's money exchange, the public prosecutor said.

Tourist from Italy only went away voluntarily

The main suspect and an alleged accomplice were taken into custody on Friday. This after the 28-year-old man from Italy had managed to flee from the house.

A third person who is also said to have been involved in the crime has not yet been caught.

According to the criminal complaint, the Italian had traveled to New York in early May. And voluntarily went to the luxurious town house with the investor.

There the man from the US state of Kentucky and his accomplice are said to have taken away electronic devices and the passport.

In addition, they would have the publication of the Bitcoin-Passwords required.

The digital money Bitcoin is the oldest and best -known cryptocurrency in the world.

When the victim refused, he was tied up. For weeks he was tortured with blows, electric shocks and murder threats.

Among other things, the man is said to have been held over a railing on the fifth floor. In addition, he was given to him with that Tod threatened to his family. The “New York Times” reports with reference to the indictment.

Police officers arrested the perpetrator shortly after the victim's escape on Friday.

Among other things, a pistol and photos of the torture acts were found in the house.

According to US media, two employees were also found. In the coming days, the surveys should provide further details to plan the kidnapping and the background of the perpetrators.