Police in the north-central Vietnamese province of Thanh Hoa have arrested three men for kidnapping their debtor and demanding a ransom from the victim’s family.

Officers in Nong Cong District, Thanh Hoa Province confirmed on Monday they had apprehended Le Mai Hung, 26, Do Van Son, 25, and Cu Van Tung, 32.

On December 19, the family of 19-year-old Pham Tuan Dat reported to local police that he had been abducted and tortured by a group of strange men.

The kidnappers required the victim’s family members to pay a VND40 million (US$1,730) ransom.

Officers launched an investigation and captured Hung, Son, and Tung, as well as freeing Dat.

According to the suspects’ statements, Dat previously borrowed VND4 million ($173) from Tung.

On December 19, Tung told Hung, Son, and another man named Mai Trong Thanh about his plan to kidnap Dat and force his family to pay a ransom.

The four men arranged a meeting with Dat at a local café, before forcing the victim to get on a motorcycle and taking him to a karaoke parlor.

They kept Dat inside a karaoke room, beat him, and forced him to write a loan agreement worth VND40 million ($1,730).

The victim was later allowed to call his family members and ask them to bring along a ransom.

In order to avoid police officers, the suspects repeatedly changed the meeting location.

Officers were able to locate them and free the victim on Monday.

A manhunt has been initiated for Thanh, who had already fled his place of residence.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!