72-year-old Singaporean man rescued after being kidnapped in Malaysia
The kidnap-for-ransom syndicate lured the man with a job offer and later demanded S$1 million for his release, according to Malaysian media.
The suspects allegedly used social media and online platforms to establish acquaintances with potential victims before inviting them to meet. (File photo: iStock)
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SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man who was kidnapped in Malaysia has been rescued after his family alerted the authorities over concerns for his safety.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in a news release on Monday (Aug 10) that the 72-year-old was successfully rescued by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) on Friday in the state of Kedah.
This was made possible following “close collaboration” by the police of both countries, said SPF.
The Singapore police said the man had travelled on his own to Malaysia on Jul 26.
“His family subsequently alerted the SPF after being concerned for his safety, including after receiving information on Aug 4 indicating that he may have been kidnapped in Malaysia and that a ransom had been demanded for his release,” said SPF.
SPF then immediately sought the assistance of their Malaysian counterparts and shared relevant information.
“The RMP subsequently mounted operations that led to the rescue of the man. The SPF supported the investigative effort from Singapore and worked closely with the man’s next-of-kin, providing them with support and assistance.”
The man is safe following his rescue and has received the necessary medical attention.
Malaysian news outlet New Straits Times said the 72-year-old man had flown from Singapore to Penang on Jul 26. His sister subsequently received a voice message saying he had been kidnapped, with S$1 million (US$781,000) demanded for his release.
His family also reportedly received a video showing the man restrained, blindfolded and injured.
Malaysia police said the kidnap-for-ransom syndicate behind the case had been linked to two earlier kidnapping cases in Kuala Lumpur.
According to Free Malaysia Today, the man had been lured by a job offer as a consultant, with his family later making three payments totalling about RM48,000 in hopes of securing his release.
Police later rescued the man and an unrelated woman from a house in Kedah's Alor Setar. Two suspected syndicate members were shot dead after they opened fire at the authorities.
POLICE URGE CAUTION
Based on preliminary investigations by the Royal Malaysia Police, SPF said the suspects allegedly used social media and online platforms, including Telegram, WeChat and Badoo to establish acquaintances with potential victims.
They would then invite the victims to meet in person under various pretexts, including going on holiday, employment opportunities or socialising.
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Julius Lim, who is also director of the Criminal Investigation Department, said that the SPF appreciates the RMP for their swift action and close cooperation.
"This operation is a reflection of the strong and longstanding partnership between the SPF and RMP, and our shared commitment to keep our communities safe."
The SPF advised members of the public to exercise caution when interacting with people they have met online, especially when they do not know the person well and are invited to meet in person or travel overseas.
