Hold this. War over ran$om By ROBERT ALONZO
A fierce battle is being waged between the kidnappers involved in the recent abduction of Anthony Sabga III and a rival gang over the ransom paid for the young man’s release.
Intelligence sources revealed yesterday they learned of the underground wrangling even as the Anti-Kidnapping Squad continued its probe into the current spate of kidnappings.
Police sources said they have unearthed evidence that suspects linked to Sabga’s abduction have gone into hiding in fear of being kidnapped themselves by another gang of kidnappers who want part of the loot.
Squad officers said it has come to their attention from underworld characters that some of the suspects connected to Sabga’s abduction have been on a “spending spree” for the last three weeks.
Sabga III, son of A Norman Sabga, chairman and CEO of the ANSA McAl Group, was abducted on July 14 while on his way home from a nightclub in Chaguaramas.
His kidnappers demanded $5 million for his safe release. He was released the night after.
The Sabga family said they paid a ransom, but it was not $5 million.
Police detained five men for questioning in connection with that kidnapping, but the suspects were released because the police had insufficient evidence to lay any charge.
A senior officer said other suspects have been purchasing jewelry and designer clothing, living a life like wealthy men.
He said the other faction of kidnappers from north Trinidad got word that those men had been involved in Sabga’s kidnapping and want part of the ransom money.
A top officer also revealed another businessman, who was recently kidnapped and released by one gang, was supposed to have been handed over to another gang for a further ransom.
However, the exchange deal between the two gangs for the businessman went sour, resulting in bitterness between the two factions.
Detectives in the Anti-Kidnapping Squad said they have already braced themselves for what they said could turn bloody among rival gangs.
Deputy Police Commissioner Everald Snaggs said yesterday the police have recognised the rise in kidnappings.
He said his officers have been developing strategies to deal with the rise in kidnappings.
Meanwhile, Sheldon Lovell, who was abducted in St Ann’s early Sunday morning, has been released.
Lovell, 32, also known as “Skelly” of Pelican Extension, Morvant, was dropped off in Aranguez by his captors shortly after 1.30 am yesterday.
A demand for $800,000 was made for his release. Police said they had no information if the money was paid.
They said Lovell was badly beaten. He was treated at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital and discharged.
Police have taken a statement from him.
Kidnap victims
Jan 11: Geewan Ramdial
Mar 25: Primnath Geelal
May 8: Kenneth Medford
June 4: Henry Francis
June 11: Alberto Seranau
June 29: Fabio Vgas
July 14: Anthony Sabga III
July 21: Boodath Ramlogan
AUG 4: Sheldon Lovell
Mahess Rampersad
Darling Rampersad
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