JEDDAH — Police are investigating a Yemeni expatriate who was caught allegedly trying to blackmail a Saudi citizen into paying a large ransom in exchange for a wallet he had stolen from him. The wallet, according to the police, contained the man's identity papers along with other items. The police said the theft took place at a recruitment office in Al-Safa district. The citizen discovered his wallet had gone missing when he tried to produce his ID card. While the victim was looking for his wallet, he received a call on his mobile phone from an anonymous caller informing him that he had his wallet and that he was willing to return it for a ransom. The Saudi, 20, called the thief back to persuade him to reduce the ransom amount. While talking on the phone, the victim noticed a Yemeni looking at him from a distance. The victim suspected the Yemeni to be the thief and started moving toward him while maintaining a conversation with him on the telephone. When the Saudi came closer, the man turned his back to him. The victim then grabbed him from behind and started calling for help. Police officers nearby immediately arrived and arrested the Yemeni. The police did not find the stolen wallet with the Yemeni but did find the victim's number on his mobile phone. Police spokesman First Lt. Nawaf Al-Bouq said the man was detained and was being questioned to see if he was involved in other similar cases. The spokesman urged people never to give in to blackmailers and asked them to inform police immediately.
