Malaysian police on the hunt for the mastermind behind the kidnapping of a foreign businessman; 8 suspects arrested

KUALA LUMPUR: Police in Malaysia are on the hunt for the mastermind behind the alleged kidnapping of a foreign businessman who was on his way to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), more than a week after the incident took place.

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

Acting District Police Superintendent Shan Gopal Krishnan told local media that all eight – including a woman – are in custody.

“The main suspect is still being pursued,” he was quoted as saying in the Malay Mail on Sunday (Oct 27).

The victim – a Chinese national described by local media as a businessman – was reportedly forcibly taken by four people near the toll plaza while he was on his way to KLIA for a flight to China.

The New Straits Times reported that the man’s vehicle was intercepted by a Toyota Vellfire multi-purpose vehicle on the highway and he was subsequently abducted.

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

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

JOHOR KIDNAPPING CASE

In addition, authorities continue 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 have been made in connection with the case, adding that 13 people were remanded in custody to assist with investigations.

“The interrogation is still ongoing and they are still in custody. No new arrests have been made,” Mr M. Kumar told national news agency Bernama.

In the October 13 incident, local media reported that a Johor businessman was released after a ransom of RM20 million was paid to his captors.

The victim was said to have been kidnapped outside his home at 5am that day as he prepared to take a taxi service to 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.

“A relative of the victim was also among those arrested,” Mr M. Kumar had said then.