Sunday, South African police revealed that Interpol had apprehended a 50-year-old Mozambican man they believed to be the mastermind of a successful abduction ring.
Esmael Malude Ramos Nangy is suspected of planning kidnappings in Mozambique for ransom, a crime that has been pervasive in the nation for the past 20 years and predominantly targeted business executives and their families. The ransom amounts can be in the millions of dollars.
The person was detained, according to a statement from the South African police, following a raid on Saturday night "at an address in Centurion," which is close to Pretoria, the nation's capital.
The confiscated items included various bank cards and SIM cards in addition to a gun and ammunition.
He must be deported to Mozambique, according to the country's officials. Esmael Malude Ramos Nangy will appear in court on Monday.
The number of kidnappings for financial gain has increased recently in South Africa, which is known for having a high crime rate.