Ecuador: Colin Armstrong, British businessman rescued, nine arrested
Ecuador's Minister of Government Monica Palencia addresses the media
Police in South America'sEcuador rescued a prominent British businessman on Wednesday (Dec 20) morning, four days after he was reported missing. Colin Armstrong was also Britain's former honorary consul in the industrial city of Guayaquil, about 431 km south of capital Quito.
Armstrong was reportedly abducted on Saturdayfrom his home in the town of Baba in Los Rios province, local Ecuavisa outlet reported.
Colin Armstrong rescue operation: How it occurred?
According to General Cesar Zapata, Commander General of the Police in Ecuador,Armstrongwas released on Wednesday and was now safe.
Zapata added that nine people had been apprehended in the operation, one foreign nationaland eight Ecuadoreans.
Zapata later told reporters thataColombian woman was kidnapped along with Armstrong before being abandoned in a residential area of Guayaquil. The woman was attached with what appeared to be explosives but they later turned out to be fake.
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Also read |Ecuador: Third political leader killed in a week after presidential hopeful's assassination
According to a report in the Reuters, police carried out more than 30 raids on homes, uncovering grenades, firearms, ammunition and drugs. They also located a vehicle they say was used for the kidnapping.
Whywas Armstrong kidnapped?
The police said that kidnapping was economically motivated. "We will not allow impunity. Police actions continue," Interior Minister Monica Palencia added on the social media platform.
Also read |Explained: How drugs, gang war, corruption contributed to Ecuador prez contender's murder
Kidnapping for ransom has become increasingly common in Ecuador amid rising crime largely attributed to drug trafficking gangs active in the region.
Britain's ambassador in Ecuador, Chris Campbell, thanked the police for the rescue.
(With inputs from the agencies)