Accidental kidnapping. That was what happened to a businessman from Penang, who became a victim of a syndicate when he was in Guangzhou, China, on March 5.

The 34-year-old was released unharmed five days ago, after his captors realised that he was not the person they were looking for.

MCA Public Complaints Bureau chief Michael Chong, speaking to reporters in his office, said that the victim had gone to China on March 5 on business but could not be contacted after that.

“On March 25, his family members received a call from the syndicate demanding a ransom of RM100,000 because the man was believed to have cheated the syndicate,” he said.

Chong said the businessman's family then visited his office to lodge a complaint. It was only after the complaint was published in newspapers did the syndicate realise that they had the wrong man.

Immediately after his release, the man contacted his family in Penang.

Chong said that family members informed him of what had happened and the victim was now being watched by the police in a bid to further the investigation.

Chong said he had been told that the man was not injured in captivity; however, his international passport and personal belongings had been taken by the syndicate.

“Police are still investigating this case. We have also forwarded this to the Malaysian Consulate there to help bring the man home as soon as possible,” he added.

- Bernama