Chinese teen, 18, allegedly staged own kidnapping in M'sia to make parents pay S$621,500 ransom

A kidnapping case in Malaysia involving an 18-year-old teen from China is now suspected of being staged — by the teen and an older 23-year-old accomplice.

The teen, who had been studying in Singapore, went to Johor on Apr. 30.

He was then allegedly kidnapped by Chinese nationals.

His parents were contacted and a ransom was demanded.

The amount sought was raised from 500,000 yuan (S$88,800) to 3 million yuan (S$532,700).

If his parents did not pay, the alleged kidnappers threatened to sell the youth's organs.

Allegedly orchestrated by the youth

Malaysia authorities announced on May 13 that the entire incident was allegedly orchestrated by the youth and an accomplice, Sin Chew Daily reported.

Both are Chinese nationals.

Suspicions were already raised initially as there were no details on how the youth got lured to Malaysia and abducted in the first place.

He was apparently playing online games in Singapore the day before he left for Johor.

The two suspects were charged in a Kuala Lumpur court on Tuesday with attempted fraud.

Authorities initially took the incident seriously and launched a massive investigation.

This was after the youth's parents flew from Dubai to Singapore and to Malaysia to lodge a report.

The older suspect was arrested on May 4 at Penang International Airport.

The youth was later found at a location in Baling, Kedah with only an injury on his leg.

He allegedly said he was released and was able to go to a police station to make a phone call to his grandfather in China.

Police then noted inconsistencies during questioning and began to suspect something was amiss.

The police have not ruled out the possibility of more people being involved.

Top photos via Sin Chew Daily