Police warns against making false reports after ‘kidnapping’ case unravels

Investigators from the police’s Specialized Investigation Branch (SIB) are reminding the public of the serious consequences of making false reports, following an extensive probe into an alleged kidnapping that was later determined to be a domestic dispute.

On Monday, March 16, about 9:00 p.m., a report was made to the Red Hills Police Station concerning the alleged kidnapping of a 25-year-old man, who was initially identified as an Antiguan national.

The police say the man’s brother, who lives in Antigua, claimed to have received a ransom demand from individuals holding his sibling against his will.

In response to the threats, the man’s mother reportedly sent a sum of money to an unidentified individual in Jamaica.

An investigation was subsequently launched by the SIB, and an operation was carried out at a property on Arthur Leon Drive in Golden Spring, St Andrew.

According to the police, upon arrival, investigators found the alleged victim with his girlfriend. He was unharmed and not physically restrained.

Further reports indicate that the man later described the incident as a misunderstanding stemming from a domestic dispute. He also stated that he is a Jamaican residing in Antigua who had recently returned to the island to visit his girlfriend.

Superintendent of Police Oral Henry, of the SIB, is urging the public to refrain from making false reports, noting that such actions can result in prosecution.

“Investigations into alleged cases of kidnapping require considerable resources, and falsely reporting such a crime, or any other offence, can lead to unnecessary expenditure of those resources, harm the credibility of actual victims, and is also a criminal offence,” Henry said.

Investigations are ongoing.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.