A 72-year-old Singaporean man was rescued in Malaysia after a job offer allegedly turned into a kidnapping trap.
The man travelled alone to Malaysia on July 26 after responding to a job offer for a consultant position. His family became worried after they lost contact with him.
According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) rescued him in Kedah on Aug 7. He was later given medical attention and is now safe.
The case has also raised concerns about how online contacts and seemingly genuine job offers can be used to lure people overseas.
Job offer allegedly led to kidnapping
Malaysian media reported that the man travelled from Singapore to Penang after responding to the job offer.
On Aug 4, his family received information suggesting that he had been kidnapped. They were told that S$1 million was being demanded for his release.
The family reportedly received a voice message from the man, along with a video showing him blindfolded and restrained.
They made three payments totalling about RM48,000, or around S$15,000, while trying to secure his release.
The family then alerted the SPF, which quickly contacted Malaysian authorities and shared information with the RMP.
The joint effort eventually led to the rescue operation in Kedah.
Two victims found at house in Kedah
Police found the Singaporean man at a house in Alor Setar, Kedah, together with an unrelated 33-year-old woman.
Malaysian police reportedly seized two pistols, ammunition and a parang during the operation.
Two suspected foreign members of the syndicate were shot dead after allegedly opening fire at police.
Six others, including five men and one woman, were arrested and are assisting with investigations.
Malaysian police also said the syndicate could be linked to two earlier kidnapping cases in Kuala Lumpur.
The Singaporean man was given medical attention after his rescue and is now safe.
Online platforms allegedly used to lure victims
Preliminary investigations found that the suspects allegedly used Telegram, WeChat and Badoo to contact potential victims.
They reportedly built relationships with people online before inviting them to meet in person.
The invitations allegedly involved different reasons, including job opportunities, holidays and socialising.
This can make the situation especially difficult for families to monitor once someone travels overseas to meet an online contact.
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Julius Lim, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, credited the RMP for its swift action and highlighted the long-standing cooperation between the Singapore and Malaysian police forces.
The SPF has urged people to remain cautious when meeting people they mainly know through online platforms.
Extra care is needed when the meeting involves overseas travel or a person whose background has not been properly checked.
A job offer or friendly invite might seem harmless, but meeting online contacts overseas can get risky real quick.
People should verify who they are dealing with, tell someone they trust about their plans and make sure others know where they will be.
Sometimes, a little extra caution before making a trip can make a huge difference.
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