F1 Boss Bernie Ecclestine's Kidnapped Mother-in-law Released in Brazil
The kidnapped mother-in-law of one of the world's wealthiest men has been safely found in Brazil, not far from where the Rio Olympics are set to commence later this month.
Aparecida Schunck, the 67-year-old mother-in-law of Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone, was freed in a major police operation that ended with the arrest of two suspects.
Hefty Ransom Demand
Schnuck was abducted from her San Paulo home in late July and kidnappers had demanded a ransom of $36.5 million for her safe return. Authorities indicate no ransom was ever paid and Schnuck was rescued unharmed.
"I ask that bandits stop kidnapping people in Sao Paulo because they will be arrested," Schunck said as she was led into the local police station following her rescue.
The 85-year-old Ecclestone is regarded as one of the richest men in the U.K., with Forbes estimating his fortune in the neighborhood of $3.1 billion.
Police were able to track Schnuck's whereabouts by tapping calls made to the family by the kidnappers, ultimately tracing the suspects to a farmhouse some 20-plus miles west of her home.
Family members told authorities the kidnappers had demanded that the ransom be paid in pounds sterling and separated into four different bags.
Rio Olympics set to Open
Later this month, Brazil is slated to welcome more than 10,000 athletes from all over the world for the start of the August 5, Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
All across the commonwealth, security is at an all-time high, with authorities recently arresting several members of an extremist group planning to spring into action over the life of the 16-day extravaganza.
Additionally, reports are making rounds regarding growing concerns about crime and the Zika virus, which have marred the buildup to The Games with some athletes electing not to participate out of fear on one level or another.
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