Developing | Hundreds of Hong Kong police descend on Ma On Shan Park where kidnappers thought to be hiding out

A massive manhunt that began on Tuesday night led hundreds of heavily armed police officers to Ma On Shan Country Park yesterday, where six men were suspected to be hiding out after releasing a woman they had kidnapped and fleeing with HK$28 million in ransom money.

It is understood that the victim is the granddaughter of late Bossini founder Law Ting-pong, and officers were seen visiting the family's house in Sai Kung.

Around 300 officers threw a dragnet around the 2,880-hectare country park, sealing off all exits and scouring the hillsides as a government helicopter provided aerial support.

They sent in 170 members of the crack Police Tactical Unit, along with officers from rural patrol teams and detectives to locate the suspects.

"Arresting them is just a matter of time," a police source said, adding that they had identified members of the Putonghua-speaking gang. "We believe they are from the mainland."

The fast-moving chain of events began on Saturday when the gang broke into the luxury home of the 29-year-old victim, a Hong Kong woman, on Clear Water Bay Road, Sai Kung. They abducted the woman and escaped with more than HK$2 million in cash and valuables.

"The gang initially demanded HK$40 million to HK$50 million from her family. After negotiations, the amount was lowered to HK$28 million," another police source revealed. "Shortly after making the payment, the victim was released nearby. She was found safe and unhurt."