Ampang Jaya district police chief Farouk Eshak said the trio, aged 26 to 55, were arrested in Ampang. The youngest suspect had a criminal record while the oldest man had 14 previous offences, some of which involved drugs.

In a statement, Farouk said the other accomplice did not have a criminal record.

They have been remanded until Oct 8.

Police also seized a car and the suspects’ mobile phones to facilitate their investigation.

This brought the total number of arrests to six following the arrest of another three on Oct 2.

The earlier suspects were charged at the Ampang court this morning with kidnapping.

They pleaded not guilty to the charge under Section 365 of the Penal Code and were granted bail of RM4,000 each. Case mention has been set for Dec 14.

One of the three also claimed trial to voluntarily causing harm to the victim after being charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code. He was granted bail of RM2,500.

The businessman was kidnapped while dining alone at a restaurant last Thursday. Farouk previously said the incident was believed to be related to debt owed to the victim’s employer.

Several motorists were seen giving chase with a number of motorcyclists trying to stop the car, but failed to do so.

The victim showed up at the Ampang Jaya district police headquarters the same night to lodge a police report. He claimed that he had been freed by the kidnappers in Klang about five hours after the incident.

Farouk said the victim, who had injuries on his face and feet, later sought treatment at Hospital Ampang.