Two Chinese men, aged 18 and 23, who were pursuing their studies in Singapore, have been charged in Malaysia for allegedly orchestrating a fake kidnapping to extort a ransom of five million yuan (approximately S$900,586) from the family of the younger suspect. The individuals, identified as Ye Yingxi, 18, a student at the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), and Zhang Runbao, 23, who attends the National University of Singapore (NUS), appeared in a Malaysian court on May 13, where they both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The incident reportedly unfolded on May 2, when the suspects made a video call to Ye’s mother, during which they presented a distressing scene showing Ye bound, gagged, and partially undressed. They claimed that he had been kidnapped, as reported by the New Straits Times. However, authorities allege that the entire scenario was staged by the two men.
Following the video call, Ye’s parents, who were in Dubai at the time, immediately contacted the police and returned to Singapore. Upon discovering that their son had traveled to Johor prior to the incident, they proceeded to Kuala Lumpur to report the matter to local law enforcement. The circumstances surrounding Ye’s trip to Malaysia have raised questions, particularly regarding the authenticity of the kidnapping claim.
Malaysian police acted swiftly, apprehending Zhang at the Penang International Airport within 48 hours of the incident. He reportedly claimed to have been manipulated into participating in the scheme. Subsequently, Ye was located in Baling, Kedah, where he asserted that he had been released and managed to contact his grandfather in China. However, police noted discrepancies in his account during their investigation.
Ye’s mother expressed concern, stating that her son had not attended school for a week but was generally independent and well-behaved. The case management is set for May 27, and if convicted, both men could face up to ten years in prison and a fine, or an alternative charge that carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail or a fine.
This incident has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the complexities surrounding international students and the potential for serious legal repercussions stemming from misguided actions.