Kidnap victim Wong released, search continues for Schneider

Members of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) were a bit relieved last night when Chaguanas businessman Woodlam Wong, who was kidnapped around 4 am yesterday, was released shortly before nine o’ clock last night, after a ransom of $50,000 was paid.

However, the AKS members were continuing in their efforts in trying to locate the other kidnap victim, Damien Schneider. AKS officers and Northern Division police found Wong’s blue Mercedes Benz   abandoned around 4am yesterday at the corner of Bellsmythe Street and the Priority Bus Route (PBR), Curepe. Its engine was running, police sources said. Wong, 46, of Santa Margarita, is the owner of the Chaguanas arm of Chinese Wok, located in the Mid Centre Mall. It is reported that Wong left his businessplace at 9.30pm Monday. Police said he called relatives telling them that he was going to a Valsayn Club before coming home. However, police said he never reached his home and his vehicle was instead found abandoned.  It is believed he was snatched sometime after he left the club. Wong’s family as well as officers of the AKS under Sr Supt Gilbert Reyes and acting Supt Henry Millington were informed, and visited the scene. 

Officers from the St Joseph Criminal Investigations Department (CID), under acting Cpl Bernard and others also visited the scene. Meantime, police said the people who have snatched and held Schneider contacted his mother, Maureena at least three times Monday night in an effort to get the $2million they have demanded. However, senior police officers have said that the victim’s mother is unable to raise that kind of money. Police also said that Schneider’s father, Martin, is also unable to come up with the money. Martin Schneider, police said, has not been living with his son and mother at their Sandhurst Street, Belmont, home for many years. The kidnappers had called Martin Sunday evening asking for the $2million ransom.  Schneider was snatched early Sunday morning near his home, after his green Toyota Tercel vehicle was blocked. His car was later found abandoned in the Beetham Estate area. Officers of the AKS and Belmont CID are continuing investigations into the Schneider kidnapping.