Officer arrested over kidnapping

JAKARTA (JP): North Sumatra Police detectives arrested three men on Tuesday, including an officer stationed in Belawan Medan police station, in connection with the kidnapping of two Singaporean nationals from Polonia Airport in Medan.

North Sumatra Police chief of detectives Sr. Comr. Iskandar Hasan confirmed the series of events on Wednesday and identified the suspects as Chief Brig. Surum Lumban Tobing, and civilians Muhamad Syah alias Ucok Sinaga and Jahirsah Marpaung.

Iskandar identified the Singaporean nationals as Chandra and Lemsen.

"The kidnappings were followed by a ransom demand for Rp 500 million (US$52,000)," Iskandar said by telephone adding that the arrest of the three was preceded by the firing of warning shots by the arresting officers.

"Surum Lumban had threatened to arrest Chandra for fuel smuggling and said that he would be thrown into jail if he failed to hand over Rp 500 million. Chandra somehow managed to contact his brother in Singapore, who contacted the Singaporean police."

The Singaporean Police then contacted the North Sumatra Police and, accordingly, the North Sumatra Police investigated the case, leading to the arrest of the three men, including the police officer.

According to Iskandar, police are still hunting for another man, identified only as Cong, in connection with the kidnappings. (ylt)