Jamaican police are warning the public about the serious consequences of making false reports following a probe into an alleged kidnapping that was later determined to be a domestic dispute.

The Specialised Investigation Branch (SIB) launched an investigation after a report was made to the Red Hills Police Station on March 16 at about 9:00 pm concerning the alleged abduction of a 25-year-old man, initially identified as an Antiguan national.

According to reports, the man’s brother, who lives in Antigua, claimed he received a ransom demand from individuals allegedly holding his brother against his will. 

The victim’s mother subsequently sent a sum of money to an unidentified individual in Jamaica in response to the threats.

Investigators later conducted an operation at a property on Arthur Leon Drive in Golden Spring, St Andrew.

Upon arrival, officers found the man with his girlfriend. He was unharmed and not physically restrained.

He later told investigators the incident was a misunderstanding stemming from a domestic dispute. 

He also stated that he is a Jamaican residing in Antigua but had recently travelled to the island to visit his girlfriend.

Superintendent of Police Oral Henry of the SIB urged members of the public to avoid making false reports, warning that such actions can have serious consequences.

“Investigation into an alleged case of kidnapping takes considerable resources and falsely reporting such a crime or any other offence can lead to unnecessary resource expenditure, harm the credibility of actual victims and is also a criminal offence,” Henry said.

Investigations are ongoing.