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A prominent Chinese-Malaysian businessman has been safely rescued following a kidnapping incident in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, after his associates paid a ransom of 20 million ringgit (approximately US$4.2 million). Local police announced the successful resolution of the case during a press conference on October 26, 2024.
The incident occurred on October 13 when the 59-year-old victim was ambushed outside his residence at approximately 5 AM. According to the victim's statement, he was putting on his shoes and preparing to call a ride-hailing service to the airport when three masked men attacked him with wooden sticks and forced him into a vehicle at gunpoint.
Johor Police Chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman announced that a special task force led a coordinated operation resulting in the arrest of 13 suspects between October 22 and 23. The suspects, comprising ten men and three women aged between 23 and 58, included two foreign male nationals and one foreign female national. Notably, one of the arrested suspects was revealed to be a relative of the kidnapped businessman.
"Four of the suspects have previous criminal records involving drugs and other offenses," stated Police Chief Kamarul. "We are still investigating whether we have apprehended the mastermind, and additional arrests may follow as the investigation continues."
The kidnappers had initially demanded 30 million ringgit (approximately US$6.3 million) for the businessman's release. They left a mobile phone at the victim's residence to communicate ransom demands with his wife. The victim was released on the same evening after his friends arranged the payment of 20 million ringgit.
Police reported that the businessman sustained only minor injuries during the ordeal. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact amount of ransom paid and recover the funds. They are also working to establish the precise motives behind the kidnapping.
The case has drawn significant attention in Malaysia's Chinese business community, with the victim described as a low-profile businessman who held no official titles. Police have urged the public to refrain from speculation about the case, noting that various circulating rumors, including details about the victim's intended travel plans, remain unverified.
