Singaporean fugitive, girlfriend rescued in Malaysia from kidnapping ring seeking US$62,500 ransom
The man had entered Malaysia illegally in May while his girlfriend had entered legally. This is the second case in a week in which Malaysian police have rescued Singaporean kidnap victims.
Malaysian authorities have rescued two Singaporean citizens in Johor after they were allegedly kidnapped and held for a ransom of S$80,000 (US$62,500). The man, a 32-year-old fugitive wanted by Singapore authorities for breaching parole for a drug offense, and his 28-year-old girlfriend were found and taken into custody. Both tested positive for methamphetamine and are currently under police surveillance.
The man had entered Malaysia illegally in May while his girlfriend entered legally. Six Malaysians aged between 32 and 46 were arrested in connection with the alleged kidnap-for-ransom plot, with four of them testing positive for drugs. The mastermind behind the syndicate was among those apprehended, according to Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director M Kumar.
The suspects demanded S$80,000 for the release of the Singaporean man, but the ransom was reduced to S$25,000. The family of the man had alerted the police after receiving a picture of him blindfolded and bound, indicating the seriousness of the kidnapping. Malaysian police seized cash, jewelry, vehicles, mobile phones, and house keys during the raids.
The Singaporean man is being detained under the Immigration Act, while his girlfriend is being held due to drug possession. This incident is the second time in a week that Malaysian police have rescued a Singaporean kidnap victim, emphasizing the strong relationship between the Malaysian and Singapore police forces.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
