Uzbek businessman kidnapped for $70,000 ransom rescued in Istanbul

An Uzbek businessman, identified as A.K., was rescued in a police operation in Istanbul’s Fatih district after being kidnapped for a $70,000 ransom.

One suspect, M.N.M., has been detained in connection with the incident, authorities reported.

Kidnapping reported by Uzbek victim’s friend

The incident came to light on January 23, when another businessman, R.I., reported that his friend A.K. had been abducted and was being held at a residence in the Katip Kasim neighborhood.

Based on this information, Istanbul Police’s Robbery Unit conducted an operation at the identified address. During the raid, A.K. was found handcuffed and restrained in a room. He was safely rescued, and M.N.M., a 24-year-old Uzbek national, was apprehended at the scene.

Victim’s account and details of the kidnapping

In his initial statement to police, A.K. said a group of 8–9 individuals abducted him after leaving a restaurant. He described being held at multiple locations and stated that the kidnappers demanded $8,100 from his family before moving him to the Fatih residence.

Fake currency and counterfeit documents found

A search of the property revealed:

• Approximately $550,000 in counterfeit currency.
• Handcuffs and a laminating machine used for making fake IDs.
• 43 blank ID cards and equipment for counterfeit document production.
• Various passports and residence permits belonging to other individuals.

These items were seized as evidence, and further investigations into potential connections to organized crime are ongoing.

Suspect detained, investigations continue

M.N.M. was charged with kidnapping and forgery and was later remanded into custody. The police are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend other suspects involved in the abduction.

Security footage capturing A.K.’s kidnapping outside the restaurant has also been obtained, and law enforcement is analyzing the footage as part of the ongoing inquiry.