Man fakes own kidnapping to extort money from parents

Plot was exposed after local police investigated

Centre of Cartagena, where the alleged plot took place (Rex)

A man has reportedly faked his own kidnapping in order to extract money from his parents.

The unidentified Spaniard, believed to be in his 20s, was reported missing on Friday by his concerned father after "kidnappers" made contact with the family in Cartagena, south eastern Spain.

The regional office of Spain’s National Guard were told how the young man’s captors had made contact with the family, issuing several ultimatums – including that they would “chop off his legs” and “kill him” – should the family fail to pay.

As well as threatening the family, the kidnappers also appeared remarkably well-informed about their properties and personal wealth, Spanish newspaper La Informacion reported.

After the police launched an investigation into the son’s disappearance, he quickly reappeared at the family home claiming to be “safe and well,” the Local reported.

Police became suspicious and after investigating uncovered that the son’s kidnapper was the local poker hall owner, who had allegedly been in on the extortion the entire time.

Under questioning, the son confessed to the entire stunt, which he had planned with the poker hall owner. Both men have subsequently been arrested and are currently awaiting charges.