INVESTIGATORS PROBING FALSE REPORT OF ALLEGED KIDNAPPING OF ANTIGUAN NATIONAL
Investigators from the Specialized Investigation Branch (SIB) are reminding the public of the serious consequences of false reporting following an extensive investigation into an alleged kidnapping that was later found to be a domestic dispute.
On Monday, March 16, at about 9:00 p.m., a report was made to the Red Hills Police Station concerning the alleged kidnapping of a 25-year-old man, initially identified as an Antiguan national.
Reports are that the victim’s brother, who lives in Antigua, claimed to have received a ransom demand from individuals holding his brother against his will. In response to these threats, the victim’s mother reportedly sent a sum of money to an unidentified individual in Jamaica.
An investigation was launched by the SIB, and an operation was conducted at a property on Arthur Leon Drive in Golden Spring, St. Andrew.
Upon arrival, investigators found the alleged victim with his girlfriend. He was unharmed and not physically restrained. He later described the incident as a misunderstanding caused by a domestic dispute and stated that he is a Jamaican residing in Antigua but recently visited the island to see his girlfriend.
Superintendent of Police Oral Henry, of the SIB, urges the public to refrain from making false reports to the police, as they can face prosecution.
“Investigation into an alleged case of kidnapping takes considerable resources and falsely reporting such a crime or any other offence can lead to unnecessary resource expenditure, harm the credibility of actual victims and is also a criminal offence,” said Superintendent Henry.
Investigations are ongoing.
