JB kidnap case reclassified as extortion and robbery

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http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20120704-356991.html

Police have reclassified the case involving the attempted kidnapping of a Singaporean family as extortion and robbery.

“No ransom money was given to the suspect and the victims were also released safely about two hours after the incident,” State deputy police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Ismail Yatim said at the police headquarters.

SAC Ismail added that although the assailant did drive the family away while they were seated in the vehicle, it was actually wrongful confinement.

SAC Ismail also said police were on the lookout for the male suspect and the stolen white Singapore registered Nissan Sunny belonging to the victim, Rita Zahara, 37.

It was previously reported that Rita, a former television journalist in Singapore, had stopped her car to buy some fruits along Jalan Susur Larkin at around 12.45am on July 1.

When she returned, the vehicle with her 19-year-old sister, two children aged 11 and six as well as her maid were missing.

Rita then called her sister’s mobile phone and the suspect answered and allegedly asked for money in return for her family. The suspect, however, released the group at a residential area in Ulu Tiram and drove away with the car and valuables inside worth RM200,000.