Malaysian housewife plotting husband’s kidnapping for $4.5M ransom

Kidnapping for ransom is a common criminal tactic. Illustration photo by Pexels

According to The Star, Chan’s trial began on Nov. 10. She faces charges that could result in up to 40 years in prison and caning if convicted.

The Straits Times reported that despite her attorney’s pleas citing Chan’s heart disease, time spent in remand, and family responsibilities, bail was denied. The case is set for further mention on Nov. 17.

Chan, described as a caregiver to her grandchildren and a director of two companies, allegedly collaborated with businessman Chong Shih Ming, 46, and two Vietnamese nationals—39-year-old Luong Van Tung and 29-year-old Tran Van Chung—to orchestrate the kidnapping of her husband. The incident occurred near Jalan Straits View in the Malaysian city of Johor Bahru around 5 a.m. on Oct. 13.

Authorities reported that the group initially demanded a ransom of 30 million ringgit, later reduced to 20 million ringgit. The police have arrested a total of 14 individuals in connection with the case. Of the ransom paid, more than 7 million ringgit has been recovered thus far.

The police are still pursuing another suspect linked to the case who remains at large.