Malaysian police recover over $2 million in ransom in Johor businessman kidnapping

JOHOR BARU – Police have recovered over RM7 million (US$2.1 million) of the RM20 million ransom that was paid to a group that kidnapped a businessman from Johor on 13 October.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the money, in various currencies, was recovered following the arrest of 14 suspects. The money amounted to RM1.95 million, $1 million and 400,000 Tether in cryptocurrency – estimated to be worth RM1.75 million, he said.

He added that the suspects, arrested over several days between October 22 and October 29, played different roles – including planning and carrying out the kidnapping and disposing of the items used in the incident.

“There was also a group among the suspects involved in (cryptocurrency) management,” he told a press conference at the Johor police headquarters on Oct 30.

He added that 11 of the arrested suspects were locals, including a woman who is a family member of the victim.

The remaining suspects were Vietnamese, including a woman.

The suspects are aged between 23 and 58 and are currently being remanded in custody until November 5.

Besides the money, the police also recovered a pistol, 250 live cartridges and a pair of handcuffs, he said.