A RM1 million (S$331,000) ransom was paid to free a kidnapped Singaporean vegetable trader in Johor last month, and Malaysian authorities have since made strides in nabbing the people behind the abduction.
Dealing in vegetables might seem like a humble business, but we suppose it’s a lucrative enough line of work to be considered a target for ransom.
Johor police chief Mohd Khalil Mohd Kader confirmed to The Malaysian Insight that a case of kidnapping did happen, but declined to provide further details. A source, however, told the publication that a Singaporean man in his ‘50s had been kidnapped in Gelang Patah, Johor on Jan 27.
The man’s family paid the RM1 million ransom on Jan 31 and he was freed a day later. Malaysian police launched an investigation to trace the suspects after the victim was confirmed to be safe and free.
According to the source, seven Malaysian men have since been arrested in connection to the case over the weekend. Part of the ransom has been recovered, while “several weapons” were confiscated from the men.
Khalil will be providing further details on the kidnapping in a media conference later today.
