A 32-year-old Singaporean man was rescued by Malaysian police in Johor Bahru after he was allegedly abducted in a kidnapping-for-ransom case, with six Malaysian suspects arrested in connection with the incident.
The man was rescued together with a 33-year-old Singaporean woman on Aug. 10, according to the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
The case took another turn after Singapore authorities confirmed that the man is wanted in Singapore in connection with a suspected offence involving illegal items. Malaysian police also found that he did not have a valid travel document when he was rescued.
Families raised the alarm after losing contact
The families of the Singaporean man and woman became concerned about their whereabouts and subsequently alerted the Singapore Police Force.
SPF said preliminary investigations by Malaysian authorities found that the two Singaporeans knew each other. The woman had also tested positive for illegal items, according to the authorities.
Malaysian police subsequently arrested six people believed to be involved in the alleged kidnapping. The suspects comprise five men and one woman, aged between 32 and 46.
Malaysian authorities said five of the suspects have previous criminal records, while four reportedly tested positive for illegal items.
Suspects allegedly demanded S$80,000 ransom
The alleged kidnapping was reportedly carried out as a ransom operation, with the suspects initially demanding S$80,000 for the man’s release.
According to Malaysian authorities, the victim’s mother lodged a police report on Aug. 10 after receiving a disturbing photograph of her son.
In the image, the 32-year-old man was reportedly blindfolded with his hands tied behind his back. He was also allegedly injured on both thighs, with the photograph apparently sent to his mother to demonstrate that the kidnappers were serious about their demands.
The ransom was subsequently negotiated down to S$25,000.
The man’s mother reportedly transferred S$5,000 to her son’s bank account, while arrangements were made for the remaining money to be handed over at a designated location in exchange for his release.
Six suspects arrested in Johor Bahru
Malaysian police said the alleged mastermind behind the kidnapping-for-ransom operation was among the six people arrested.
The suspects have since been remanded until Aug. 21 as investigations continue.
SPF said the Singaporean man is believed to know one of the individuals involved in the alleged kidnapping.
The circumstances surrounding the man’s relationship with the suspects, including why he was allegedly targeted, remain under investigation.
Singapore police thank Malaysian authorities
Following the rescue, SPF expressed appreciation to the Royal Malaysia Police for what it described as their swift assistance and close cooperation in ensuring the safe recovery of the two Singaporeans.
The 32-year-old man is currently being detained in Malaysia under the country’s Immigration Act because he allegedly did not possess valid travel documentation.
The 33-year-old woman was also detained after testing positive for illegal items.
The case highlights the importance of cooperation between Singaporean and Malaysian authorities, particularly for incidents involving Singapore citizens travelling or staying in Johor.
It also comes shortly after another reported kidnapping involving Singaporeans in Malaysia.
Second Singaporean kidnapping case in days
On Aug. 7, Malaysian police rescued a 72-year-old Singaporean man and a 33-year-old Chinese woman in Alor Setar, Kedah, following another alleged kidnapping case.
Six suspects were also being investigated in that separate incident.
The two cases occurring within a short period have drawn attention to security concerns involving Singaporeans travelling across the Causeway and further into Malaysia.
Investigations into the latest Johor Bahru case are ongoing, while the six arrested suspects remain in custody as Malaysian authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping and ransom demand.
The Singaporean man’s status in relation to the separate Singapore investigation will also be dealt with by the relevant authorities.