A South Korean man rescued from a kidnapping case in Malaysia has been identified as a wanted fugitive, police said. The case took an unexpected turn after authorities discovered the victim was listed under an international arrest alert.
The 40-year-old man was reportedly travelling alone from Genting Highlands to Kuala Lumpur on April 17 when his vehicle was followed. Police said the kidnappers later stopped his car and forced him out before taking him to another location.
Kidnapping and Rescue Operation
According to investigators, the victim was tied up, beaten, and threatened during captivity. A special police team was formed after two separate reports were filed by a local friend and the man’s wife in South Korea.
Police later raided a homestay in Melaka on April 21. During the operation, they rescued the victim and arrested three suspects, aged between 28 and 40. All suspects are believed to be South Korean nationals.
Authorities said the kidnappers demanded a ransom of about SGD 13.5 million. The victim’s friend transferred around SGD 4.05 million to a cryptocurrency account before the rescue took place.
Money Trail and Seized Evidence
Police managed to recover approximately SGD 3.32 million from several accounts linked to the suspects. However, part of the money had already been moved to other accounts and could not be traced.
Officers also seized items believed to be used in the crime. These included ropes, tape, a replica firearm, and the victim’s vehicle. Investigators said the suspects were not known to the victim and believe the crime was financially motivated.
Fugitive Status Revealed
Further checks with the South Korean embassy revealed that the rescued man had been living in Malaysia since 2016. His passport had been cancelled, and he was listed as a wanted person under an international alert.
Police said the man is wanted in South Korea for illegal gambling activities. Authorities are continuing investigations to understand his background and reason for staying in Malaysia.
The case is currently being investigated under Malaysia’s kidnapping laws, and further legal action may follow as inquiries continue.
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