Police detain man over kidnapping of doctor

Taipei police yesterday arrested a man on suspicion of kidnapping a Keelung doctor.

The victim was released four days later after the kidnappers received a ransom.

Polices arrested suspect Sa Ta-wei (沙大衛), 40, but his two accomplices were still at large.

Chiu Chu-wen (邱主文), the police officer in charge of the investigation yesterday told press that Sa told police he did not know the victim, and did not kidnap him on purpose.

"They snatched the victim as they hid in a parking lot at Taiwan Miners General Hospital in Keelung City on August 26," said Chiu.

The suspects detained the hostage in a motel in Taipei County for four days, during which time they withdraw NT$300,000 (US$9,060) from his bank account with his ATM card. They also took the victim back to his home and stole his watches and jewels.

The hostage was released on Aug. 29 after his colleague in the hospital handed over NT$ 2 million to the kidnappers, the officer said.

The victim was released from Sa's car at the intersection of Zhongxiao E Rd and Jianguo S Rd in Taipei.

The victim was not tortured, Chiu said.

After a period of rest, the victim had returned to work, Chiu added.

Police identified Sa from an ATM surveillance video, taken when Sa withdrew the victim's money.

Police arrested Sa after raiding his apartment early yesterday morning in Taoyuan County. They seized three pistols, several handcuffs and knives during the sting operation.

Police also discovered a fake press card affiliated with the Hong Kong-based newspaper South China Morning Post, as well as two fake police vests.

Police suspected Sa, who has several prior convictions, and his accomplices had used the fake IDs to commit crimes.

Chiu said Sa told police he was involved in the the kidnapping, but was not the mastermind behind it.