Police are intensifying efforts to track down two suspects believed to be hiding in Thailand following the abduction of two local men from Pasir Mas and Tumpat earlier this month.
Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the kidnappings took place on June 6, prompting a large-scale investigation involving both Malaysian and Thai authorities.
According to him, wanted notices have been issued for the two men, while assistance has also been sought from Thai law enforcement agencies and Interpol to locate and apprehend them.
Investigations revealed that both suspects have extensive criminal backgrounds, with around 10 previous offences each involving drug-related crimes and other criminal activities.
Police believe one of the suspects, known by the nickname “Mamat”, was responsible for setting fire to a Perodua Myvi belonging to one of the victims shortly after the abduction.
So far, five individuals, including a woman believed to be the girlfriend of one of the suspects, have been arrested to assist in the investigation. All are currently being held under remand.
The case surfaced after the wives of the two victims lodged police reports on June 6, claiming their husbands had been forcibly taken from their homes in Tumpat and Pasir Mas by a group of men.
Following the reports, police launched Op Tutup with assistance from Bukit Aman and gathered intelligence suggesting the victims had been taken across the Malaysia-Thailand border.
The two men were eventually found safe on June 8 after allegedly being abandoned by their captors beside a road near Mundok in southern Thailand.
Thai authorities rescued the victims before handing them over to Malaysian police for further investigation.
The victims, aged 51 and 35, are from Tumpat and Pasir Mas respectively. One operates a vehicle workshop, while the other works as a clerk in a government department.
Police believe the kidnappings may have been linked to unpaid debts involving drugs and undocumented migrant-related activities.
Preliminary findings indicate that one of the victims allegedly owed approximately RM33,000 and was being held hostage until compensation or repayment could be secured.
Authorities are also investigating whether the abduction is connected to a larger criminal syndicate operating across the border.
Meanwhile, police are seeking two men — Hamzah Muhamad, 40, and Mohamad Syamsul Azroy Che Anuar, 32 — who are believed to possess information that could assist in the ongoing investigation.
