Korean businessman abducted on Roxas Boulevard in Pasay — 30 million pesos demanded, released after 4 days

📌 On September 4, a 41-year-old Korean businessman was abducted by a group of more than 7 armed men on Roxas Boulevard in Pasay.
The suspects demanded 30 million pesos. After his family sent about 550,000 pesos, he was released in Cavite 4 days later on September 8.

■ Case Overview
· September 4 (Fri, according to the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs) near Vicente Sotto Street on Roxas Blvd., Pasay
· While traveling by car with an acquaintance, more than 7 men in a silver SUV forcibly forced only the victim into their vehicle, leaving the acquaintance at the scene
· About 18 hours later, the suspects contacted another acquaintance of the victim and demanded a ransom of 30 million pesos

■ Release
· The family transferred about 550,000 pesos to a bank account using a mix of pesos and Tether (USDT)
· Released in Kawit, Cavite immediately after the transfer, and later found by police after returning to Pasay. No health issues
· The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it formed a response team and cooperated with the Philippine National Police

■ Investigation
· The Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) is pursuing more than 7 suspects
· Investigators are also looking into why they released him for a much smaller amount than demanded, and whether one of the suspects impersonated a police officer

■ Similar Incident — August 16 in Manila
· A Korean in his 40s was blocked in his car, abducted, and released after 5 days. In this case as well, the companion was left behind while only the Korean was taken, and the ransom was demanded from an acquaintance
· South Korean media reported the possibility of a "new type of kidnapping targeting Koreans" (Philippine authorities have not confirmed a connection between the two cases)
· Kidnappings of Koreans in the Philippines: 5 cases in 2023, 1 case in 2024, 3 cases in 2025

■ Notice for Expats and Travelers
· Avoid habits of taking the same route at the same time and reduce real-time location sharing on social media.
· If family or acquaintances receive a ransom demand, notify the police (911) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Call Center (+82-2-3210-0404, available 24/7) before sending any money.
· If a vehicle blocks your path or strangers try to force you into a car, immediately shout for help from those nearby.

■ Sources
Daily Tribune (9/9), SunStar (9/10), Abante Tonite, Korea JoongAng Daily & Korea Times (9/8), SBS (9/8), Seoul Economic Daily (9/8)

■ Photo
Philippine National Police kidnapping briefing (balita.com)