01-06-2025
Johor police solve kidnap case in 24 hours, 5 suspects arrested
JOHOR BARU: Johor police solved a kidnap-for-ransom case within 24 hours, with the arrests of five men in a series of raids across Kulai and Simpang Renggam, Kluang, on May 28.
The hostage was rescued in Kulai the following day.
The suspects, a Malaysian and four foreign nationals aged between 22 and 48, were detained following a police report lodged by a 46-year-old foreigner.
The complainant said he had received a distress call from his friend's wife, claiming that her husband had been abducted and was being held by unidentified individuals who demanded RM20,000 for his release.
Johor Baru (North) police chief Assistant Commissioner Balveer Singh said that acting on the tip-off, investigators located the victim in Kulai and carried out simultaneous arrests at several locations.
"The suspects have no prior criminal records, and their urine tests came back negative for drugs," he said.
Police seized several items during the raids but declined to reveal the nature of the evidence or provide details on the suspects and victim, citing the sensitivity of the case.
The five suspects were remanded on May 31 for six days to facilitate investigations under Section 364 of the Penal Code for kidnapping or abducting with intent to murder, punishable by up to 30 years in jail and whipping.
They are also being investigated under Section 324 for voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons.
The foreigners may face further charges under Sections 6(1)(C) and 15(1)(C) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for illegal entry and overstaying, respectively.
