Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director Shuhaily Zain said the money recovered consisted of RM1.95 million in cash, S$1 million (RM3.32 million) and cryptocurrency amounting to RM1.75 million.

“We also found a Pietro Beretta pistol, 250 live bullets and a pair of handcuffs,” he said in a press conference at the Johor police headquarters today.

Shuhaily said 14 suspects have been arrested so far, with their roles in the kidnapping ranging from planning and execution to disposal of the items involved and management of the ransom money.

He said police were still investigating the motive behind the case and its mastermind, who has been identified as a property developer.

“A family member of the victim who has been arrested is still under investigation. It would jeopardise the investigation if we reveal who it is, and it is still too early for us to do so, but I can say that it is a woman,” he said.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 3(1) of the Kidnapping Act 1961 for abduction for ransom.

The 14 suspects, aged between 23 and 58, were detained in a series of raids around the state from Oct 22 to 29.

Johor Bahru High Court senior assistant registrar Chai Ing Hien had previously issued an order to remand three Vietnamese suspects for seven more days from tomorrow to enable further investigations.

Yesterday, the magistrates’ court here also allowed the continued remand of 10 people, including two women, for seven more days from today.

Also remanded was another male suspect, who was arrested on Monday.

The 59-year-old victim was allegedly abducted at about 5am on Oct 13 while waiting for an e-hailing driver to take him to the airport for a flight overseas for business.