Breaking: Woman suspected of carrying out kidnapping for overseas ringmaster as police uncover disturbing new details
Police are looking for a woman suspected of being hired – but ultimately failing – to carry out a kidnapping for an overseas ringmaster in a regional Victorian town this month.
The suspect allegedly tried to push a 33-year-old woman into a rented white Hyundai i30 on Willow Tree Lane in Warrnambool on Tuesday, July 7, but was fought off.
Police have released these images as part of their investigation into the attempted kidnapping. Victoria Police
Victoria Police detective acting sergeant Joe Fisher said police believe the botched kidnapping was deliberate, targeted, and directed by someone overseas.
“We’ve done a lot of work and progressed our investigation however we’re now at a stage where we need assistance from the public,” Fisher said.
“This was a targeted incident in which we believe the woman involved was tasked by a man linked to the victim.
“As the investigation is ongoing, I’m not able to go into too much detail about the man other than to say we believe we know who he is and he appears to be off-shore.”
Police have released a photo of the hire car and a computer-generated image of the woman of interest in the hope it will assist the investigation.
Authorities say the woman is Caucasian in appearance and aged between 20 and 30 years old with blonde curly hair.
She was wearing a black coloured hoodie pulled over her head and bright pink hiking pants.
“Our aim today is to identify the woman involved and we believe someone will know who she is,” Fisher said.
“The victim was very brave and I thank goodness she was able to get away.
“Luckily she was not seriously injured.”
Police said the suspect allegedly took the woman’s phone and drove south on Willow Tree Lane.
Investigators said the vehicle was driven along Koroit, Hyland and Giffen Streets as well as Raglan Parade in the hour following the incident.
Anyone with information or dashcam is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
