A 22-year-old man was kidnapped on Trandafirilor St in the capital city and held captive by four people, including a minor, following a dispute over a debt. He was released after the police intervened, IPN reports.

According to preliminary information, the young man was with his girlfriend when he was attacked by a group of four individuals aged between 17 and 24, natives of Chisinau, Ialoveni and Criuleni.

The suspects assaulted the young man and forced him into a car, then left in an unknown direction. Shortly after, the victim's girlfriend received a message asking her to provide €450 for his release.

Following the operation carried out by officers of the Botanica Police Inspectorate, with the support of the Chisinau Police Division and patrol policemen, the suspects were located and arrested. The victim was found at the home of one of the aggressors.

During the investigation, the suspects admitted their deeds, explaining that they kidnapped the young man to recover a debt. They were placed under arrest for 72 hours, while the minor is being investigated in a state of freedom.

Under the law, people found guilty of blackmail and kidnapping face a prison sentence of 10 to 13 years.