S'porean man, 32, kidnapped in JB & rescued by M'sian police, allegedly knows kidnapper & is wanted in S'pore

A Singaporean man rescued by Malaysian authorities after an alleged kidnapping is wanted in Singapore over a suspected drug-related offence, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said.

The 32-year-old man and a 33-year-old Singaporean woman were rescued in Johor Bahru by the Royal Malaysia Police on Aug. 10.

Malaysian media had earlier reported that the woman, whom they identified as the man’s girlfriend, was 28.

In a media reply to Mothership's queries, SPF said the man is believed to know one of the kidnappers.

Did not have valid travel documents

Based on preliminary investigations by the Malaysian police, the man did not possess a valid travel document, and both the man and woman tested positive for drugs, said SPF.

They are believed to know each other, they added.

The families of both individuals alerted the Singapore police after becoming concerned for their safety, added SPF.

SPF also expressed its appreciation to the Malaysian police for their "swift assistance and close collaboration in securing the safe rescue of both individuals".

Six Malaysians arrested

Six Malaysians, including a woman, aged between 32 and 46, were arrested in the alleged kidnap-for-ransom plot, the New Straits Times reported.

Five of them had criminal records, and four tested positive for drugs, the Malaysian media added.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar said during a press conference that the kidnap-for-ransom mastermind was among the six arrested.

The 32-year-old man's mother reportedly lodged a police report on Aug. 10 after one of the suspects sent her a picture of her son, who was blindfolded with his arms bound behind his back.

"He was also slashed on both thighs and the picture was sent to his mother, to indicate the kidnappers were serious in their ransom demand," Kumar said.

The suspects had reportedly demanded S$80,000 for his release, but the amount was negotiated to S$S25,000.

The mother had transferred S$5,000 to her son's bank account, while the remaining sum was to be dropped off at the exchange for his release.

Man detained

The kidnap victim is currently detained under the Immigration Act, while his girlfriend was detained after testing positive for drugs, Malaysian authorities said.

The suspects, meanwhile, have been remanded until Aug. 21.

This is the second case in recent times where Malaysian police have rescued Singaporean kidnap victims.

In an earlier case, a 72-year-old Singaporean man and a 33-year-old Chinese woman were rescued in Alor Setar on Aug. 7.

Six suspects are being investigated in that case.