Sarawak Police Seek Brunei Help To Track Down Kidnap Suspects

Bandar Seri Begawan - Malaysian police seeking Brunei's help have launched a massive manhunt in East Malaysia to track down a gang of kidnappers who freed their victim unharmed after they failed to secure RM 5 million ransom, according to news reports.

The victim, whose name has not been divulged, was reportedly kidnapped almost a year ago - thus making it the longest kidnap case in Malaysia.

According to a Miri datelined story in yesterday's 'Star' newspaper, police in Sarawak have sought the help of their Bruneian counterparts in their hunt for the suspects.

Yesterday being a holiday, the Borneo Bulletin was unable to get a response from Brunei police.

The 'Star' quoting Miri Police CID chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Abdul Razak Hassan revealed that his kidnappers freed the victim, 30 unharmed.

He also confirmed that as for as he knew, no money was paid to the kidnappers.

"We believe a syndicate may be involved," he added.

Meanwhile New Straits Times reported that the man was abducted following his return from Britain after completing his studies in June last year.

It was understood that the kidnappers had demanded RM 5 million as the gang believed the family received a large insurance compensation following the death of the victim's father in a helicopter crash in Brunei several years ago.

The victim has lodged a police report and the police are investigating the case.

The man was believed to have been kidnapped from his late father's shop in Miri.

One of his brothers lodged a missing person report at Miri central police station on June 13 last year after the kidnappers demanded the ransom from the family.

A similar police report was also lodged in Brunei as some of the victim's relatives were living there, the report added.

Since then, police failed to trace the whereabouts of the victim until he suddenly turned up at the Miri central police station.

Our Miri correspondent George Francis adds Police are puzzled about the man reportedly kidnapped almost a year ago whose case is still investigation, appeared perfectly normal at the Miri Central Police Station.

Sarawak CID chief flew to Miri to lead the investigation. Abdul Razak Hassan said he would be in contact with his counterparts in Brunei to track down the perpetrators. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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