“We immediately launched an investigation when we received reports about the kidnapping,” the police said in a statement.
Following the investigation, Erbil police discovered that one of the Bangladeshi nationals had previously asked his family for financial assistance to settle $12,000 in debts, but they declined to help.
He then conspired with a friend to stage a kidnapping, recording a fake video in which he appeared to be held captive and tortured. He later sent the footage to his family in an attempt to pressure them into sending money, according to the police statement.
“We arrested him along with his friend pursuant to a warrant from the investigation judge,” the statement noted, adding that the arrests were made in coordination with the Erbil Asayish directorate and that the suspects' case files have been transferred to the court.
A well-placed source from Erbil police told Rudaw on Monday that both men have been charged with criminal conspiracy under Article 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code.
The article stipulates that anyone involved in a criminal conspiracy can face up to seven years in prison if the planned offense is a felony, or up to two years of detention, or a fine if it is a misdemeanor unless a specific penalty is prescribed.
