Malaysian police are looking for the mastermind behind the kidnapping of foreign businessman; 8 suspects were arrested

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian police are searching for the mastermind behind the alleged kidnapping of a foreign businessman who went to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) a week after the incident.

Eight people have been arrested since the incident on Maju Expressway near Putrajaya Toll Plaza on October 18.

Acting district police chief Shan Gopal Krishnan told local media that eight people, including a woman, were also detained.

“The prime suspect is still being pursued,” Malay Mail reported on Sunday, October 27.

The victim, a Chinese national identified in local media as a businessman, was allegedly kidnapped by four people near the toll booth on his way to KLIA to fly to China.

The New Straits Times reported that the man’s vehicle was stopped on the highway by a Toyota Vellfire multi-purpose vehicle and was later hijacked.

Earlier, Selangor police chief Hussain Omar Khan told local media that initial investigations revealed that the motive behind the kidnapping was money.

“The victim allegedly owed RM300,000 (US$68,800) to the suspects and refused to pay, which led to his abduction,” Mr Hussein said. he said, adding that no ransom was paid.

JOHOR KIDNAPPING CASE

Separately, authorities are continuing their investigation into the alleged kidnapping of another businessman in Johor Bahru on October 13.

Johor police chief M Kumar said on October 26 that no further arrests had been made in connection with the incident and 13 people had been arrested to assist with investigations.

“The interrogation continues, they are still detained. No new arrests have been made,” Mr. M Kumar was quoted as saying by national news agency Bernama.

In the incident on October 13, local media reported that a Johor-based businessman was released after a RM20 million ransom was paid to his kidnappers.

The victim was allegedly kidnapped outside his home at 5 a.m. that day as he was preparing to pick up a ride-hailing service at Senai International Airport for a business trip.

Malay Mail reported last week that those arrested included 10 men and three women aged between 23 and 58.

“One of the victim’s family members was also among those arrested,” Mr M Kumar said at the time.