"Police" imposters nab Indian businessman and son

Men posing as police officers abducted an Indian businessman and his 16-year-old son from a Klong Toei apartment on Friday but later released them unharmed. The gang demanded a Bt40-million ransom.

Security guard Makkawan Sukkhun told police the gang arrived at the apartment building at 5am on Friday. The men drove a red Honda car and white Toyota van.

Police learned the men were hooded and armed and claimed to have an arrest warrant for landlord Rattana Kumar, 52, on money-laundering charges.

Makkawan told police the gang forced him to take them to Rattana's apartment where they abducted the father and son.

Rattana later told police the gang demanded Bt40 million which he said he could not raise. The gang reduced the demand to Bt30 million. He was released in the Don Muang area and told to gather the money for his son's release.

Half an hour later Rasim telephoned to say he had been let go in the Nawanakhon area.

Metropolitan Police division 5 deputy commander Colonel Chan Choonhawong said police suspected the gang gave up on their plan after learning the police had been alerted.

Police were told Rattana recently dismissed his driver after he demanded repayment for bogus automobile repairs.

Police suspect unhappy employees may be behind the kidnapping as revenge for rebukes by a "hot-tempered" Rattana and son.

The investigation continues.

The Nation