Family pays kidnappers more than $6 million to secure release of Johor businessman
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JOHOR BAHRU - The family of a Malaysian businessman has paid a ransom of RM20 million (S$6.1 million) to secure his release from a group of kidnappers.
According to China Press, the 59-year-old developer was scheduled to go on a business trip when the incident took place around 5am on Oct 13.
He was putting on his shoes outside his house in Johor Bahru before calling for his ride to the Senai Airport when three men clad in face masks appeared.
One of the men hit him with a stick, another covered his head with a cloth and the third forced him at gunpoint into a car and tied up his hands.
The kidnappers also left a mobile phone outside his house.
The victim was taken to an unknown house after an estimated 10-minute car ride.
In the house, the kidnappers uncovered his head and contacted his family via the phone left at the doorstep, demanding a ransom of RM30 million.
After negotiating, the family brought the ransom down to RM20 million.
The victim’s family raised RM5 million and left the cash at a housing estate in Taman Perling in Johor Bahru, while the rest was transferred to an account through a Singaporean friend.
The victim was released 14 hours later.
In his police report, the victim said there were four kidnappers, including a woman. However, he did not know their nationalities.
State police chief M. Kumar said the incident was reported on Oct 13 at 7.20pm, shortly after the victim’s release.
“Investigations are under way, and we caution the public against making assumptions or sharing unsubstantiated details about the case,” he said on Oct 19. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
