New immigrant held ransom

For two weeks, 30 year-old immigrant from Germany held captive, released for USD 320,000
Raanan Ben-Zur

Two Israelis are suspected of kidnapping a new immigrant from Germany, abusing him, and holding him captive for two weeks. Eventually, the man was released after kidnappers received a ransom of USD 320,000, it was released for publication today.

The immigrant, aged 30, was kidnapped by five people in February. He was held in a number of hideout locations in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and in Jerusalem, and taken to a new location every few days. The immigrant's family was told to provide USD 320,000 for his release.

According to suspicions, during the time of his kidnapping, the man was physically and emotionally abused in order to speed up the ransom payment. The suspects tortured and bound the man, and put out burning cigarettes on him, as well as shouting and cursing at him. The captors received the ransom money at an Israeli bank account.

Suspects deny charges

It was deposited by the father of the kidnapped man, who is living in Germany, to an Israeli bank account number. After two days, the kidnappers arrived at the bank branch and withdrew the money. They then released the immigrant. Police say that the ransom money has not yet been traced.

After receiving a complaint by the father, the kidnapped man brought police to the apartments where he was held, and evidence was found.

Sharon District Police's Central Unit launched an undercover investigation which lasted months, and arrested two suspects, Erez Dan, 38, of Jerusalem, and Yosef Peleg, 48.

Dan was arrested after returning to Israel from abroad and taken for questioning. He denied the charges. Peleg also denied the charges against him. Police say that others are also involved in the kidnapping, adding that they are working to track them down and arrest them.