The National Police in Spain have arrested two individuals shortly after they kidnapped a 33-year-old Canadian businessman in Madrid's upscale Salamanca neighborhood. The incident occurred on a Monday night as the victim was leaving a restaurant on Claudio Coello street. Police were alerted by witnesses who saw the kidnapping unfold, enabling them to quickly locate the suspects' van in the nearby Paseo del Prado area and make the arrests. The perpetrators were believed to be between the ages of 32 and 45, and they had aimed to steal the businessman’s cryptocurrency access credentials.

Upon escaping the vehicle, the businessman sought assistance from a taxi driver, who took him to the hospital for treatment. Authorities reported they found plastic ties in the van that were used to restrain the victim, along with a blister pack of pills that were allegedly administered to him during the ordeal. Further investigations revealed that the van's GPS indicated a destination in Petrer, Alicante, suggesting the kidnappers planned to take the businessman out of the city.

This case raises concerns about the rising incidents of express kidnappings in urban areas, particularly targeting individuals with significant online assets, such as cryptocurrency. The swift police response and the arrest of the suspects may serve as a warning and improve safety protocols in similar high-risk situations, as law enforcement continues to adapt to the growing digital crime landscape affecting personal security.