Malaysian police rescue a kidnapped South Korean man and freeze RM11.5 million in cryptocurrency ransom linked to a transnational gang
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) dismantled a kidnapping group masterminded by South Korean nationals and froze cryptocurrency, worth USDT2.46 million (approximately RM11.5 million), which is believed to be part of the ransom paid.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar said the special operation was conducted after rescuing a South Korean man who was kidnapped while returning from Genting Highlands last week.
He said in the incident on April 17, the 40-year-old victim, who was driving a vehicle, was intercepted by a group of suspects before being dragged, beaten, and taken to a homestay in Melaka.
“The suspect contacted the victim’s friend and demanded a ransom of USDT10 million in cryptocurrency. The victim’s friend reportedly paid USDT3 million into the account provided by the suspect,” he said at a press conference at Bukit Aman here today.
Acting on two police reports received, Kumar said a special task force, involving the Bukit Aman CID and the Pahang and Melaka police contingents, was deployed to locate the victim.
“Following thorough intelligence work, the police raided a homestay in Melaka on April 21 and successfully rescued the victim, who was in a safe condition despite suffering injuries from being beaten and tied up during the confinement period.
“After that three South Korean men, aged between 28 and 40 years, were arrested. The police also seized a pistol believed to be fake, which was used to threaten the victim, as well as other equipment such as ropes and adhesive tapes,” he said.
He said that further investigations in collaboration with the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) successfully traced the flow of the money and froze RM11.5 million from three crypto accounts for a period of nine months for further investigation.
Kumar revealed that a check on the victim found that the man was a wanted individual by the South Korean authorities through an Interpol Red Notice.
“The victim has been in the country since 2016. He entered the country using a social visit pass and is believed to be involved in organised crime groups and illegal gambling activities in his home country. He will also go through legal proceedings following the involved Red Notice,” he also said.
All suspects have been remanded until April 28, and the case is being investigated under Section 3(1) of the Kidnapping Act 1961, which provides for a prison sentence of up to 40 years and whipping, if convicted.
