KUALA LUMPUR: A kidnapping case involving a South Korean man has taken a dramatic twist - the victim is a wanted man in his home country.
The 40-year-old, who was rescued by police, had allegedly been held captive, bound, assaulted and threatened with an object resembling a firearm after being abducted on April 17.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the victim was kidnapped while travelling alone from Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands.
“He was followed by another vehicle before being intercepted by the suspects.
“He was forcibly pulled out of his car, assaulted, tied up and placed in the suspects’ vehicle before being taken to an undisclosed location,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Two reports were lodged – one by the victim’s friend and another by a woman who claimed to be his wife.
“Initial investigations were carried out by Pahang police before Bukit Aman CID took over. A special task force was then formed.”
Acting on intelligence, police located the victim and raided a house in Melaka, rescuing him and arresting three South Korean men aged between 28 and 40.
Comm Kumar said the suspects contacted one of the victim’s associates and demanded a ransom of US$10mil (RM39.6mil) via a cryptocurrency account.
“About US$3mil was transferred before the funds were moved across several accounts to evade detection.
“With the cooperation of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department’s crypto unit, we managed to trace and freeze US$2.46mil across three accounts,” he said, adding that the freeze order is valid for nine months.
Police also seized several items, including a fake pistol, ropes and adhesive tape used to cover the victim’s mouth, as well as the victim’s car, which was registered with an inactive company.
“All three suspects have been remanded until April 28 to assist in investigations.
“Checks showed that two suspects entered Malaysia in March using valid social visit passes, while the third has no record of entry.”
In a further development, Comm Kumar said joint investigations with the South Korean Embassy revealed that the victim is wanted in his home country.
“His passport has been revoked, and an Interpol Red Notice has been issued against him for suspected involvement in illegal gambling and organised crime.
“He is believed to have been in Malaysia since 2016, moving between several locations during that period,” he added.
He said the victim did not know the suspects and that the ransom appears to be the primary motive.
“Although the case involves foreign nationals, we will not compromise in taking action,” he stressed.
Comm Kumar said investigations need to be completed before any further action is decided, including the possibility of deporting the victim.
