JOHOR BARU – The police recovered more than RM7 million (S$2.1 million) of the RM20 million ransom that was paid to a group who kidnapped a Johor businessman on Oct 13.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the money, in various currencies, was recovered following the arrests of 14 suspects. The money amounted to RM1.95 million, $1 million, and 400,000 Tether in cryptocurrency – estimated at a value of RM1.75 million, he said.
He added that the suspects, arrested over several days from Oct 22 to Oct 29, played different roles – including planning and carrying out the kidnapping, and disposing of the items used in the incident.
“There was also a group among the suspects involved in managing the (cryptocurrency),” he told a press conference at the Johor police headquarters on Oct 30.
He added that 11 of the arrested suspects were locals, including one woman who is the victim’s family member.
The remaining suspects were Vietnamese, including a woman.
The suspects are aged from 23 to 58, and are currently under police remand until Nov 5.
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Besides money, the police also recovered a pistol, 250 live rounds and a pair of handcuffs, he said.
Asked about the motive of the kidnap, Commissioner Shuhaily said investigations are still ongoing.
“We are also tracking down other suspects who are still at large,” he said, adding that some suspects who were arrested also possessed prior criminal records.
He said that the victim was kidnapped at around 5am on Oct 13 and was later released at 12pm. He lodged a police report at around 7pm on the same day.
According to a China Press report, the 59-year-old developer was scheduled to go on a business trip when the incident occurred.
The kidnappers demanded a RM30 million ransom, and after negotiating, it was reduced to RM20 million. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK