Fake kidnapping case in M'sia: Chinese man, 18, given discharge not amounting to acquittal

The fake kidnapping case in Malaysia has concluded with one man given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal, while the other man was fined RM17,000 (S$5,155), Malaysia media reported.

Both men were studying in Singapore.

The fake kidnap victim, Ye Yingxi, 18, was seen in a video half-naked with his hands tied, mouth sealed, and face drenched with water.

The clip was sent to his mother, Cheng Zhiwen.

The scene was staged by Zhang Runbao, 23, who pleaded guilty on May 27 to a charge of cheating, for which he was fined.

Zhang had demanded that Ye's mother transfer a sum of money to an account in China.

Ye was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal, as his mother retracted her police report and did not want to pursue the case.

Both claimed trial

Zhang and Ye, both Chinese nationals, claimed trial on May 13 after both were charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court for allegedly trying to deceive Cheng into paying a 5 million yuan (S$894,300) ransom.

The act of being held at ransom occurred at a hotel along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Kuala Lumpur on May 2 between 11:44am and 9:15pm.

Both men were charged initially with cheating, and also dishonestly inducing delivery of property, with cheating, as an alternative charge.

This was after the video of Ye being tied up was shown to his mother, Cheng.

The prosecution in Malaysia had urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence on Zhang.

Friends or not friends?

The relationship between the duo has been the source of much speculation in the media.

While Malaysia media described Zhang as Ye's friend or accomplice, CNA reported that Ye’s lawyer Ramesh Sivakumar had maintained that Ye did not know Zhang.

Zhang is reportedly a National University of Singapore (NUS) student, while Ye is reportedly a Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) student.

Both SIM and NUS did not confirm whether Zhang and Ye were their students, but told Mothership previously they were aware of ongoing legal proceedings.

It was previously reported that Ye could have fallen victim to a scam, while it was not clear if Zhang was also induced to create the fake kidnapping clip under the instruction of a syndicate.

Zhang’s lawyer said in mitigation that her client was remorseful and the 10 days he was in remand served as a lesson.

Zhang intends to continue his studies, which will conclude in June this year, his lawyer said.

He will have to serve six months in jail if he is unable to pay the fine.

He could have been jailed up to five years and fined.

Top photos via Sin Chew Daily