Two Malaysian men abducted and used as collateral for alleged syndicate debt

Two men who were allegedly abducted in Kelantan and taken across the border into Thailand have been found safe after being abandoned by their captors, Malaysian police said.

The victims, aged 51 and 35, were kidnapped in separate incidents in Tumpat and Pasir Mas on 6 June 2026 before being transported into Thailand through illegal crossings.

According to Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat, Thai authorities located the pair two days later after they were left by the roadside in Mundok, Thailand.

The victims were subsequently handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police.

Held to pressure debtors

Investigations found that the two men were not the individuals who owed money to the syndicate.

Instead, police believe they were taken as leverage to pressure debtors connected to a suspected drug trafficking and migrant smuggling network.

Mohd Yusoff said the debts involved amounted to approximately RM33,000 (approximately US$8,149.15).

According to Berita Harian, one of the victims was reported to have 24 previous criminal records.

Multiple arrests made

Police have detained five individuals, including a woman, to assist in the investigation.

All have been remanded until 22 June.

Authorities also said the alleged debtor, a 25-year-old man, and his girlfriend are among those detained and are also being remanded as investigations continue.

Police seek suspects believed to be in Thailand

Police have identified two men believed to possess information related to the case.

The individuals are Hamzah Mohamed, also known as "Mejah", and Mohamad Syamsul Azroy Che Anuar, known as "Mamat".

According to police, both are believed to be in Thailand.

Mohd Yusoff said each of the two wanted men has around 10 records involving drug-related and other criminal offences.

Malaysian authorities are working with Thai authorities and Interpol in efforts to locate the pair.