Kidnap suspect still in custody

ACP (Crime) Irwin Hackshaw said the man has a criminal record for robbery, shooting and rape.

On Thursday, Sijiu Zhang - the driver of Chinese Ambassador Song Yumin - was snatched along Hayes Street in St Clair shortly after 7 am. A call was made to the Embassy and a $20,000 ransom demanded. Arrangements were made for the money to be dropped off at the Roxy roundabout at 11 am. However, the kidnapped was unaware that the stolen car he used to transport Zhang, was outfitted with GPS and it was intercepted and forced to come to a halt by police.

Zhang was rescued and taken to hospital while the suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

Yesterday, officials of the Chinese Embassy maintained their silence on the matter although police sources confirmed that additional security measures are being implemented at the Embassy and among its staff members in light of the kidnapping.