Motive behind Albertine’s kidnap still under probe

JOHOR BARU: Police are still trying to ascertain the motive behind the kidnapping of six-year-old Albertine Leo Jia Hui.

Iskandar Puteri OCPD Asst Comm M. Kumarasan said no new arrests have been made as of yesterday afternoon apart from the five suspects who were in custody.

Asked on the motive and whether the five suspects were linked to the victim’s mother, he said investigation was ongoing.

“We hope for some space to conduct the probe. Answers will be given once we conclude our investigation,” he said when contacted.

Albertine went missing during a Bon Odori Japanese event, where her 37-year-old mother operated a booth, at a mall in Iskandar Puteri last Saturday evening.

Two days later, four suspects – two men and two women, aged between 28 and 55 – were arrested to assist investigation.

Follow-up probes led police to the girl, who was found with a man at a budget hotel in Batang Kali, Selangor, in a 4.30am raid on Tuesday

The man, 31, has since been detained and remanded until next Monday to facilitate investigation.

After Albertine reunited with her family, they went for a meal where a photo of the happy moment was posted on Facebook by a close friend.

When contacted, the friend said she was not authorised to speak on behalf of the family.

“We cannot comment on the case as it is currently under police investigation and we do not want to jeopardise the process. We just wait and see what will happen in the next few days,” she added.

In the Facebook posting, the friend revealed that Albertine, whom she fondly referred to as “little sister”, was tired and she thanked the public for their outpouring of support.

She also said the owner of the restaurant where they had dined in had decided to waive the bill.

A waitress at the restaurant, known only as Lailasari, said the staff recognised Albertine from the moment she walked in with her family.

“We had put up a notice at the restaurant in hope of finding her and we have been following the news closely.

“We quickly informed our boss and he told us to waive the family’s bill to celebrate the safe return of the girl.

“We also treated Albertine with some ice cream and jelly to cheer her up,” she said, adding the family had some toast, eggs and drinks.