GEORGE TOWN: Police rescued a kidnapped Chinese national and recovered the RM277,886 ransom that was paid to secure the victim's release.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director and Penang police chief Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said the victim's wife lodged a report yesterday evening (March 7) that her husband was taken from their home here.
He said a task force was set up to investigate the case.
"From the information we received and planning by the task force, we arrested four men — three locals and a China national. They have been remanded for four days.
"We also rescued the 30-year-old victim, a restaurant owner, in Bukit Jambul, and recovered the ransom money. When found, there were no visible injuries on him. He only appeared tired.
"We are still looking for three suspects to assist in our investigation into the case, including the main culprit, a Chinese national," he said at the state police headquarters here today (March 8).
Khaw said police were still investigating the motive of the incident.
"We are investigating this case from all angles, whether the kidnap was for ransom or a personal problem between the suspects and the victim due to debts or such," he added.
Khaw said due to the sensitivity of the case, police could not reveal further details.
The case is probed under Section 365 of the Penal Code for kidnapping.