Four Gisborne men are facing kidnapping and aggravated
robbery charges after a car deal went wrong.
The four men, aged 20, 22 and 17, are facing charges of
aggravated robbery, kidnapping and unlawful possession of a
firearm after they were arrested last night.
Police said the men put a Toyota Hilux utility up for sale on
Trade Me in December. This month, they swapped the ute for a
Nissan Skyline owned by an Opotiki man.
Police said the vehicles were exchanged; however, the Nissan
Skyline recently broke down.
Detective Sergeant Theo Akroyd said the two parties met last
night after the owner of the Nissan contacted the four men
when he realised he had left his wallet and some money in the
vehicle. They arranged to meet in Opotiki to return the
wallet to the man.
Police allege the four men decided they wanted their Hilux
ute back so kidnapped the victim and stole the Hilux from him
at gunpoint.
He was allegedly dropped off unharmed last night near Hell's
Gate by the four men.
After being contacted by the victim, police arrested the four
men once they returned to Gisborne last night.
They are due to appear in the Gisborne District Court this
afternoon.
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