A mother from Penang is facing dark times as her son, who was believed to have been kidnapped by a job scam syndicate in Thailand, has been threatened with the possibility of his hand being cut off if she doesn’t pay a ransom.
According to a report by Harian Metro, the victim, 25-year-old Lai, had disappeared and was found to be held by the job scam syndicate since mid-September.
A mother in Penang pays over RM62,000 in ransom so that her kidnapped son won’t have his hands cut off
His mother, 52-year-old Rose, received a message from the syndicate on 16 September informing her that they would cut off her son’s hand if she didn’t pay them a ransom for his release. She also managed to hear her son’s voice briefly during a phone call.
“I made the first payment of USD5,000 (~RM21,000) after receiving the threat, followed by a second payment of USD8,000 (~RM33,000) before the syndicate demanded an additional USD2,000 (~RM8,400). Until now, they are still asking for more money,”
“All payments were made through the Crypto Investment Scheme (USDT) to a third party as directed by the syndicate,” she said.
“I just want my son back”
She went on to explain that the last payment was made on Tuesday (30 September), but communication with her son continued to be cut off, and his whereabouts are still unknown.
This image is for illustration purposes only.
She also added that she is now at a loss and is not sure whether her son is safe, considering the previous calls came from an overseas number.
“I just want my son back. Money is not a problem, but I am afraid he will continue to be tortured. They are really good at hiding their identities; it is difficult to know who they really are,” she said.
She is now appealing to the public to come forward and help, should anyone have information about the syndicate.
Don’t make any more payments
The Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) Secretary-General, Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim, explained that paying the ransom will not solve any problems and instead, strengthen the syndicate’s grip on the victim and their families.
“MHO is trying to get help from local and international authorities through our representatives to track down the victim and put an end to the activities of this syndicate,” he said, while advising the victim’s family not to make any more payments to avoid further blackmail.
MHO is also opening up a space for the public who have relevant information to come forward and channel it to the organisation to assist in the rescue efforts. For the time being, you can contact them here or at 019-538 0000.
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