A multi-millionaire paid RM7 million

A multi-millionaire paid RM7 million for the return of his kidnapped 19-year-old son, which is believed to be one of the biggest ransom payments in the country in recent years.
The teen was returned unharmed after the ransom was paid, but the kidnappers did not have much time to enjoy their ill-gotten gains.

Police, who had been alerted by the businessman after the abduction of his son in Kluang on Jan 27, swung into action immediately after the victim returned home safely.

They tracked the kidnappers to their hideout on Monday, arresting three men and a woman aged between 19 and 59, and recovered an undisclosed sum of the ransom money.

Among those arrested was the mastermind, a 57-year-old Singaporean, who is wanted in the republic for gang-related activities and robbery.

Sources said the businessman's son was bundled into a car near a shopping complex in Kluang.

Hours later, his father received a call demanding a ransom for his release.

The caller asked for RM7 million in several denominations, which was to be dropped off at a secluded spot.

Johor police chief Datuk Mokhtar Shariff confirmed that four people, including the woman and the Singaporean, were detained in connection with the case.

He stressed that the police have the capability to track down criminals using "integrated efforts" and intelligence gathering.

"Crime does not pay. The long arm of the law will get you.

"The criminals can run and hide, but we will get them eventually," he said.