7 French people arrested over alleged kidnap
Chalong Police and Kamala Police have arrested seven French people over the alleged kidnapping and physical abuse of a 21-year-old female compatriot.
Those arrested were Idriss Sulliman, 25, Yann Kimulina, 25, Brahim Saifdine, 21, Mouhcin Wizkrane, 23, Yacine Maatoug, 32, Lydia Kouang Nlend, 21, and Sahra Zerari, 19.
On March 4 at 5am, the seven people allegedly forced the victim to leave an entertainment venue in Soi Bangla, Patong, and took her by motorcycle to Soi Yod Sanae in Chalong.
They physically attacked her and accused her of stealing 5,000 euros (Bt195,000) from them.
The group then allegedly sent a video of her being kidnapped to her family in France, asking them to pay 5,000 euros or she would be killed. The family was very frightened and transferred the money to the kidnappers, police said. She was freed at noon of the same day.
Her family contacted the French Embassy in Thailand and embassy representatives invited her to discuss the case and press charges at the Chalong Police Station.
“After receiving the report, Chalong Police, Kamala Police, Tourist Police and Forensic Police went to collect evidence at the scene. We searched the accommodations around and found them at a place in Kamala,” said Chalong Police Station Superintendent, Pol Colonel Prachum Ruangrong.
Source: https://www.phuketgazette.net/news/7-french-people-arrested-kidnapping-french-woman