Bukit Aman busts violent kidnapping syndicate preying on foreigners, discovers unknown victim after shootout

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 — The Criminal Investigation Department of Bukit Aman has dismantled a violent kidnapping syndicate targeting foreign nationals, following a joint operation with the Singapore Police Force. The mission ended in a shootout with suspects, resulting in the rescue of two victims — a Singaporean retirement consultant and a Chinese woman.

CID Director Commissioner M. Kumar disclosed that six individuals in their 30s, including five men and one woman, were apprehended. One suspect is a Malaysian local, while the other five are Chinese nationals. The group allegedly sought victims via WeChat by falsely advertising lucrative job opportunities or social escorts. Commissioner Kumar expressed surprise at discovering the second victim, a Chinese woman, during the operation, as the initial plan was to rescue only the Singaporean victim.

Prior to the rescue, the syndicate had received SG$ 15,000 (RM49,600) for the Singaporean victim and had demanded US$ 20,000 (RM89,000) for the Chinese woman, with no ransom payment made. The arrested suspects have been held from August 7 to August 14 to aid ongoing investigations. Police suspect the syndicate's involvement in at least two other kidnapping cases in Kuala Lumpur.

The investigation was triggered when a victim managed to escape and report the incident to the police. Authorities have advised the public to remain vigilant on social media platforms, warning against accepting job or meeting offers from unknown sources or agreeing to meet individuals met online.