Imagine arriving in New York City, excited about a promising business opportunity, only to find yourself trapped in a nightmare.
That’s exactly what happened to a 28-year-old Italian man who was lured to a luxury SoHo brownstone — only to become the victim of a terrifying kidnapping and torture ordeal at the hands of a group of wealthy ‘crypto bros.’
Kidnapped and Held Hostage in a Million-Dollar Apartment
The man had flown in from Italy on May 6, expecting a new venture with his former business partners.
Instead, his passport was taken from him, and the lavish $75,000-a-month rental turned into a prison.
For weeks, he endured unimaginable abuse, tied up and subjected to brutal acts inside the stunning New York mansion.
According to police, the group didn’t hold back: they used electrical cords to bind him, shocked him with a Taser while his feet were submerged in water, pistol-whipped him, and even threatened to cut off his limbs with an electric chainsaw if he didn’t hand over millions from his crypto accounts.
Horrifying Details Emerge from the Investigation
Authorities uncovered chilling evidence — including Polaroid photos the kidnappers had taken while torturing their victim.
One photo showed him tied to a chair with a gun pressed against his head.
Police believe these images were used to pressure the victim or his family into paying ransom.
In addition to physical torture, the men forced the victim to take drugs like cocaine and subjected him to intense psychological torment, repeatedly telling him he would never escape.
To keep tabs on him, they strapped an AirTag around his neck to monitor his movements inside the apartment.
The Victim’s Brave Escape and Police Raid
The ordeal finally took a turn when the kidnappers informed the victim that the next day would be his “death day.”
Seizing a rare chance to flee, the man managed to break free and flag down a passing car to call for help.
Police stormed the SoHo brownstone on Friday morning, arresting at least one suspect who was found upstairs in a bathroom wearing only a white bathrobe.
Officers discovered a scene that looked more like a war zone than a luxury home — broken glass, helmets, night vision goggles, a bulletproof vest, and even a firearm were scattered throughout the residence.
Ongoing Investigation and Witness Accounts
The arrested man is believed to be the renter of the apartment, and he is currently in custody with charges pending.
Detectives are questioning two butlers who were working in the home during the incident, hoping to gather more information about the case.
One eyewitness, Jennifer Crawford, described the dramatic police action: “I saw the SWAT team with shields, and shortly after, I saw a guy in handcuffs come out.
He was wearing a white bathrobe, and his hands were cuffed behind his back as he got into a police car.”
What’s Next in the Crypto Kidnapping Case?
The eight-bedroom, 10-bathroom SoHo brownstone had only been rented a few months ago for a staggering $75,000 per month.
Authorities are still searching for several other suspects believed to be involved in the kidnapping and are digging deeper into this shocking crime.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about how this wealthy group operated and what will come next for the victim and the crypto community at large.