When she alerted Liu’s father to the matter, the older man – who was also in China – called the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for help on the evening of Mar 9.

Officers from the Central Police Division conducted “extensive searches and investigations” to locate Liu, said SPF.

They found him “safe and sound” in the Marina Bay area within three hours of receiving the call for assistance.

Further investigations revealed that he had gambling debts of between S$20,000 and S$30,000, the police said.

He then staged his kidnapping and sent threatening messages to his aunt in hopes of receiving the ransom. However, it was not paid to him or anyone else.

His mobile devices were seized in connection to the case.

If convicted of attempted cheating, he could be jailed for up to 10 years or fined, or punished with both.

SPF added that it “takes a serious view against any person who may be involved in scams, whether knowingly or unwittingly”.

The police advised members of the public to take precautions when they receive unsolicited calls, especially from unknown parties with “+” prefix phone numbers that originate from abroad.

These precautions also involve ignoring such calls and the caller’s instructions, not transferring any funds if the caller is of dubious identity, and calling a trusted friend or relative before acting.