29-10-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) In a breakthrough in the RM20 million kidnapping case, Malaysian police have arrested another male suspect linked to a close female associate of the wealthy Chinese businessman, bringing the total number of arrests to 14. Investigators now believe the businesswoman closely associated with the victim is a primary suspect in the orchestrated abduction.
Today, ten previously detained suspects, including the female associate, were brought before the Johor Bahru Magistrates’ Court, where Magistrate Nor Fahana approved a seven-day remand extension for further investigation. The latest arrest occurred yesterday in Kulai, Johor, where authorities apprehended a man in his thirties.
All eleven suspects presented in court today – nine men and two women ranging from 23 to 58 years old. Only two suspects, including the businessman’s female associate, were represented by legal counsel.
Defence lawyer Veranis, representing one of the male suspects, stated that police requested the remand extension to continue gathering evidence, recording statements, conducting identification procedures, and investigating potential additional accomplices.
The kidnapping occurred on October 13th at approximately 5 AM outside the 59-year-old victim’s residence in Johor Bahru. The businessman was abducted while waiting for a ride-hailing service to the airport. The perpetrators initially demanded a RM30 million ransom, but eventually released the victim after receiving RM20 million through the businessman’s associates.
In a notable courtroom observation, the 57-year-old female associate appeared visibly fatigued and attempted to avoid reporters when brought before the magistrate. Unlike other suspects who wore detention uniforms, she was dressed in shorts and casual attire, arriving in a police vehicle alongside a 46-year-old male suspect in civilian clothes. Both were kept separate from the other nine suspects during the court proceedings.
The female suspect was accompanied by two lawyers who declined to comment on the case. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the kidnapping plot, with the current remand order extending until November 5th.
