Two Chinese students enrolled at Singaporean institutions found themselves facing serious legal trouble after allegedly orchestrating an elaborate kidnapping hoax to extort money from one of their own mothers.

The Malaysian court heard on Tuesday (May 13) that Zhang Runbao, 23, and Ye Yingxi, 18, are accused of fabricating Ye's abduction to demand a staggering five million yuan (approximately S$900,000) from Ye's mother Cheng Zhiwen, according to reports from Bernama.

The case has drawn attention across educational circles as Zhang is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree at the prestigious National University of Singapore, while younger suspect Ye studies at the Singapore Institute of Management.

Court documents reveal an intricate scheme that began when Ye traveled from Singapore to Johor Bahru on April 30. Just two days later on May 2, his distraught mother received shocking video footage showing her son bound to a chair while being physically assaulted by unseen captors.

"The terrified parents immediately cut short their business trip in Dubai and flew straight to Malaysia," a police source revealed. "They filed an official report with local authorities upon arrival."

Multiple Charges Filed

• Primary Charge: Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property (Penalty: 1-10 years imprisonment plus whipping and fine)

• Additional Charge: Making threatening video calls showing fabricated abuse scenes

The prosecution alleges the entire scheme unfolded between late morning and evening hours on May 2 at a Kuala Lumpur hotel. Both defendants have maintained their innocence against all charges during initial court proceedings.

"Each suspect was granted bail set at RM30,000 with strict conditions including surrender of travel documents," confirmed court officials. The case has been scheduled for further hearing on May 27 as investigators continue gathering evidence.

lim.kewei@asiaone.com