Italian Tourist Kidnapped in New York Over Crypto Wallet Password, Video Shows Victim Cooking Crack Amid Broader Crypto Crime Wave

An Italian tourist in New York was allegedly kidnapped and tortured for refusing to disclose the password to his cryptocurrency wallet. The case has drawn attention due to a video that surfaced showing the victim tied to a wheelchair but with free hands, appearing to cook crack cocaine in an air fryer five days after his capture. Despite the restraints, the victim is seen smiling and interacting with several individuals in the room. This incident is part of a broader pattern of criminal activities targeting cryptocurrency holders, including kidnappings and coordinated assaults in various countries such as Argentina, France, the United States, and Uganda, where a $500,000 heist was reported. The investigation into the New York case continues as authorities seek to understand the motives and circumstances surrounding the abduction and torture.