Auckland couple charged with kidnapping, assault after luring victim with Marketplace car sale

Police found the couple at a hotel before they tasered them.

Two people have been charged with kidnapping and assault after they used a Facebook Marketplace car purchase as a ploy.

A man and a woman bundled the victim into their car before driving them around for three hours, beating them and forcing them to withdraw cash.

Auckland City Crime Squad Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Kirk said the victim had arranged to buy the car from the pair at a Holdsworth Ave address in Wesley at 8.50pm.

“Upon arrival, the victim was allegedly assaulted by two people who also demanded he hand over money.”

An alleged offender made the victim get into the vehicle to withdraw more money from a Stoddard Rd ATM.

He was then taken to another ATM before the offenders took off in a vehicle.

“The victim has contacted police immediately and at about 11.40pm officers located the vehicle abandoned on Emily Place,” Kirk said.

After police opened an investigation, they found the offenders had checked into a nearby hotel.

Police tasered the pair when they exited the room.

Kirk said a 32-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman will appear in Auckland District Court today, charged with assault with intent to injure, kidnapping and theft.

“This police activity should send a clear message to those involved in this unlawful behaviour that it will not be tolerated by police or the community.

“This is really seriously offending and police are focused on ensuring the victim gets the support they need following this traumatic incident.”