Police in Ashanti Region have said they suspect foreigners are responsible for the kidnapping of the 30-year-old Indian Businessman in Kumasi last week.

The Regional Police Commander, DCOP Kwasi Mensah Duku has however refrained from giving details pending further investigation as the search continues for the kidnappers.

Esay Umpakan Chodri was rescued at Parkoso in the Asokore Mampong municipality less than 24 hours after he had been forcibly taken and pushed inside a vehicle around Ahwodwo, a suburb of Kumasi by three men.

Family sources shared information indicating that the kidnappers had contacted them and demanded $500,000 to be paid into a bitcoin account within 24 hours or they kill their victim.

At the time of his rescue, the victim spotted a swollen face and blood oozing through his nose.

DCOP Duku in an interview with Nhyira News after a meeting with members of the Indian Community in Kumasi said the Command is relentlessly pursuing the culprits.

“This incident is foreign in Kumasi, I believe that criminal activity is being done by foreigners, we want to caution them that we are very strong on the ground and if anyone is caught involving himself or herself in such acts will be dealt with according to the law.

DCOP Duku however assured residents of Kumasi that they are safe despite two cases of kidnapping recorded in less than a month.

“So far we’ve strengthened our security in the metropolis, this is an isolated case this is even foreign in Kumasi for the past years we’ve not experienced this in Kumasi that’s why we came to assure them that they are safe and Kumasi is safe. They should not entertain any fear we are there to protect them.”