JOHOR BARU: Police have recovered RM7 million of the RM20 million believed to be ransom money demanded from the family of a businessman allegedly kidnapped on Oct 13.
Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the money consisted of RM1.95 million, SGD 1 million (RM3.3 million), and 400,000 USDT cryptocurrency (worth RM1.75 million).
"In an operation launched with the assistance of Bukit Aman, we managed to recover nearly RM7.2 million, and in addition, we also found a Pietro Beretta pistol with 250 live rounds and a pair of handcuffs," he said during a press conference at the Johor police contingent headquarters here today.
Shuhaily said the kidnapping case involving the 59-year-old developer is still under investigation, and to date, 14 suspects have been detained, including three Vietnamese nationals.
"Among these 14 suspects, we have identified several roles they played, including planning and executing the kidnapping.
"Another group was assigned to dispose of evidence, and a third group, currently under investigation, managed the cryptocurrency ransom," he explained.
"The youngest suspect is 23 years old, while the oldest is 58. They consist of 11 locals, including 10 men and one woman, as well as three Vietnamese nationals, including one woman and two men," he added.
Commenting further, Shuhaily said the victim was abducted at 5am and released at noon on the same day.
"The victim came to the police station to file a report at around 7pm," he said.
When asked about the motive behind the kidnapping, details of family members involved, and the mastermind, he said these matters were still under investigation.
"The motive of the kidnapping is still under investigation. I can't disclose much as some suspects are still at large.
"If I reveal who (the family member is), it may disrupt the investigation; it's too early to share such information, but we do know it involves a woman. Regarding the mastermind, there are implications if I reveal it," Shuhaily explained.
He stated that the investigation is being conducted under Section 3(1) of the Kidnapping Act 1961, and efforts continue to unravel the criminal network involved.
A total of 11 suspects, including the 14th suspect detained recently, are currently in remand until Nov 5, while the other three are remanded until Nov 6.
On Oct 19, Johor police chief Datuk M. Kumar confirmed that 13 individuals aged between 23 and 58 had been arrested in a series of operations across the state.
He had said that one of the suspects in custody was a family member of the victim.
Earlier, it was reported that a businessman was allegedly abducted by a group of individuals around 5am while waiting for an e-hailing service at his home to travel to the airport for a business trip abroad.
The 59-year-old victim claimed he was released the same day, but only after his family paid a ransom of RM20 million.