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Kidnappers release diamond dealer without ransom
– bound victim rescued on Linden Highway
A Brazilian businessman who was kidnapped early yesterday morning was rescued by an off-duty police rank at Hararuni, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, after his abductors released him.
Reports are that 35-year-old Sergio Martos, Proprietor of Pure Diamonds Trading on Duncan Street, Campbellville, was abducted by four men sometime around 00:30 hours yesterday while leaving a house in Stone Avenue, Campbellville.
Kaieteur News understands that the man was about to enter his vehicle when a car pulled up alongside him. The occupants, who were said to be clad in police attire, forced the businessman into their vehicle as they held him at gunpoint, covered his head with a bag, and relieved him of his licenced firearm.
The establishment at which the alarm went off, signalling the police.
A source close to the investigation revealed that once inside the vehicle, the men told Martos that he would be released once their demands were met. Reports are that the businessman then made a call to arrange for the money to be handed over to his abductors at the Georgetown seawall. Martos, however, beckoned his employee not to involve the police.
The man reportedly called the security guard who was on duty at his Duncan Street business place and instructed him to hand over the keys for the building to the employee. However, after the employee prepared the money and was about to close the door he accidentally set off the alarm.
A security firm, as well as the police, responded promptly and were confronted at the building by the employee, who expressed fear that something was amiss with his employer. A manhunt was immediately launched as Martos could not have been contacted.
Meanwhile, several hours later, ranks from Georgetown were contacted by their colleagues from the Highway Base Patrol saying that a man believed to be Martos was found on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.
According to reports, an off-duty police rank who was on his way to work from Linden in a minibus spotted a man, with his hands and feet bound, lying alongside the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. The rank ordered the minibus to stop to render assistance to the individual.
The victim, who appeared to have been beaten, identified himself to his rescuers, and was taken to the Highway Base Patrol. Martos was then brought to the city where he was questioned along with a female. He was subsequently taken to a city hospital for medical attention.
There are also reports that the businessman was told by his abductors to “pack up and leave Guyana”.
Efforts to contact the businessman for his account of the incident proved futile, as his employees advised that he would not be engaging the media.
However, there appeared to be business as per normal yesterday at the Duncan Street premises, but with beefed¬-up security very much evident.
Back in August 2007, Martos came into the spotlight after his establishment was robbed of millions. Several persons were prosecuted for that matter. Investigations are ongoing.
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