In unlikely twist, rescued South Korean kidnapping victim turns out to be Interpol-wanted fugitive | Malay Mail

Zahid claims ministry officers ‘pressured’ over attending BN-linked events during state polls

Three Malaysian women held in Jakarta after drugs found hidden in luggage, shoes

Court declares Seremban-born girl a Malaysian, rules anti-statelessness protection applies to her

Actress, business owners among 17 facing charges over alleged Perkeso claims scam

MRT Corp awards RM3.03b Penang Mutiara LRT systems contract to MRCB-Theta Edge JV

After Johor and Negeri Sembilan wins, Zahid sees ‘blue wave’ heading to Putrajaya

PKR gives Nurul Izzah temporary leave from deputy president duties after congress

Tendon Kohaku: The ‘tendon’ chain bringing satisfying ‘tempura’ rice bowls to TTDI

No skips allowed: BTS racks up four billion plays for ‘Arirang’ while Jungkook hits the jackpot with ‘Seven’

KTMB services disrupted after lorry carrying flammable liquid causes power outage on Kulai-Kempas route

Teacher found dead in SMK Bau toilet, police rule out foul play

Iran and Oman agree on new Strait of Hormuz shipping route

Anwar meets Singapore GP chief ahead of Formula 1 return to Sepang

Cambridge’s youngest black professor resigns over PhD plagiarism claims

Caregiver allegedly told residents to tie up man before fatal beating at Perak care home, police say

In unlikely twist, rescued South Korean kidnapping victim turns out to be Interpol-wanted fugitive

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director Datuk M. Kumar (centre) speaks during a press conference in Bukit Aman April 24, 2026. — Picture by Yusof Isa

Stay updated on the latest news and insights. Subscribe to our newsletter here

Earn a fixed rate of up to 4.2%* p.a. for 210 days with Versa Save! Plus, enjoy an additional FREE RM10 when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with a min. cash-in of RM100 today. T&Cs apply.

First Published: Friday, 24 Apr 2026 2:33 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 — Federal police said today that a South Korean man rescued from a recent kidnapping by fellow countrymen near Genting Highlands — in an unlikely twist — was later found to be a fugitive in his home country and listed as a wanted person by Interpol.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar said the 40-year-old victim was travelling alone from Genting Highlands to Kuala Lumpur when his vehicle was tailed and later intercepted by his kidnappers on April 17.

“The victim was dragged, tied and beaten up before being taken to an undisclosed location at the time.

A police task force was subsequently formed after separate reports were lodged by two individuals claiming to be the victim’s local friend and his South Korean wife, in an effort to locate him.

“Acting on intelligence, police raided a homestay in Melaka where the victim was being held and arrested three suspects aged 28 to 40, who are also South Koreans, on April 21,” he told a press conference at the federal police headquarters at Bukit Aman here.

Kumar said the victim was threatened with a firearm and beaten while being held captive, with the suspects later demanding a ransom of US$10 million (RM39 million) in exchange for his release.

The victim’s friend later transferred US$3 million to the suspects’ cryptocurrency account before the victim was rescued.

“The suspects were not known to the victim and we believed the kidnapping is financially motivated,” Kumar said.

Several items were seized, including ropes used to bind the victim, cellophane tape, a replica firearm and the victim’s vehicle, Kumar added.

As for the US$3 million transferred, Kumar said only US$2.46 million was recoverable by authorities from three separate accounts after the funds were dispersed into several other accounts.

Further investigations found that all but one of the suspects entered Malaysia by way of social pass in March.

“Investigations also found that the victim entered Malaysia in 2016, and further discussions with the South Korean embassy revealed that his passport had been cancelled, alongside the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice against him.

“So this kidnapping victim is actually wanted by South Korean authorities,” Kumar said, adding that victim was wanted for illegal gambling activities.

Asked on the victim’s detailed background, Kumar said further investigations are being conducted to ascertain their employment and purpose of stay.

The case is being investigated under Section 3 (1) of the Kidnapping Act.

Former PM Ismail Sabri to be charged tomorrow at KL Sessions Court

MACC questions former CFO for third day over RM370m share deal flagged in Tabung Haji RCI

Joachim Gunsalam elected PBS president unopposed as party sees record nominations