4 Singaporeans arrested for alleged involvement in abduction of Singaporean brothers in Penang

The four Singaporeans, aged between 26 and 54, were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of two Singaporean brothers. PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE -Three women and a man were arrested on Thursday (Feb 25) in a case of extortion, police said.

The four Singaporeans, aged between 26 and 54, were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of two Singaporean brothers.

One of the kidnapped men's fiance received a call from an unknown Malaysian mobile phone number demanding a ransom of US$250,000 (S$350,000) for the release of her fiance, a 28-year-old Singaporean man.

A police report was filed on Monday night (Feb 22).

Preliminary investigations found that her fiance and his 27-year-old brother had travelled to Penang for a business trip on Sunday (Feb21).

The Singapore Police Force worked with the Royal Malaysia Police to locate the victims and the possible suspects.

They subsequently established the suspects' identities, and the location where the two Singaporean victims were believed to be held against their will.

On Wednesday (Feb 24), Malaysian police officers raided a hotel in Penang.

Four Malaysian men were arrested during the operation and the two victims were rescued unharmed.

In a coordinated strike on the same day, officers from Singapore's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested four Singaporean suspects in connection to the case.

No ransom money was delivered, police said.

If convicted of putting a person in fear of harm in order to commit extortion with common intention, the four Singaporean suspects can be jailed up to five years, and caned.

Investigation against one remaining female suspect is still ongoing.

The victim's family alerted the police without delay and cooperated fully with the authorities, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigations & Intelligence) and CID director Tan Chye Hee.

"This had enabled the Police to take swift investigative actions from the onset, resulting in the successful solving of the case," he said.

He also thanked the Malaysian police.

"I would also like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the Royal Malaysia Police for their unequivocal support in the joint cross border investigation of the kidnapping for ransom case. Undoubtedly, the close cooperation between SPF and RMP was instrumental in the swift arrest of the suspects, resulting in the safe release of the Singapore victims."

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