Kidnappers released a well-known betel nut dealer in Kaohsiung City on Monday night after being paid NT$5 million in ransom.
During his 16 days in captivity, Huang Kun-kwan (黃崑光) was beaten repeatedly and is now recovering under police guard at Kaohsiung Hospital, police spokesman said.
The chief suspect in the kidnapping is Sheu Liang-chi (許良吉), although police have yet to apprehend Sheu or other suspects in the case.
Huang was abducted from his betel nut shop in Kaohsiung by two men on the morning of Oct. 21.
The kidnappers later called Huang's relatives telling them to prepare money for a ransom in exchange for Huang's life, the police said.
The kidnappers also called a district representative from Huang's district, saying Huang was the representative's "pillar" (樁腳) and asking him to prepare a NT$5 million ransom.
A "pillar," or vote captain, is an influential local personality who can attract votes for candidates during elections.
On Oct. 24th, Huang's relatives paid Sheu NT$2.1 million via Chen Bao-zing (
The kidnappers demanded an additional NT$2.9 million from Huang's family, which they paid on Nov. 2 at a meeting in Sheng-wan alley, the police said.
Once again, the police were present but were prevented from arresting the suspects by Huang's relatives, who feared for Huang's safety.
Police said they suspect the kidnapping was the result of long-standing enmity between Huang and Sheu.
Sheu was a former warden for Kuoming Borough in Kaohsiung City. However, he was removed from his post six months ago following allegations that he was involved with gangsters.
He has been on the run from police ever since.
Sheu had also supported an opponent of Huang's in an election earlier this year for borough warden.
Huang had told friends before he was kidnapped that he had received a threatening call from Sheu, who blamed Huang for fomenting the allegations against him, police said.
Huang said the kidnappers had beat him about the head and waist, threatened him with guns and threatened to murder his entire family.
According to a doctor at Kaohsiung Hospital, Huang had several bruises and wounds on his head and around his waist. Huang was again eating normally, the doctor said, but he would remain under observation.
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