A teenager from Abbey Wood has been jailed after masterminding a terrifying kidnap and extortion plot, in which a man was held hostage for four days and forced to transfer £77,000 under duress.

Cadnaan Ali, 19, of Overton Road, was convicted of kidnap, actual bodily harm, two counts of theft, and two counts of perverting the course of justice following a complex investigation by Bedfordshire Police. He has been sentenced to eight years and two months in a young offender’s institution.

Violent Ambush and Hostage Ordeal

The court heard how Ali lured the victim into a car in London, driving him to Luton, where two accomplices ambushed the vehicle as part of a premeditated attack. The three men then assaulted the victim with weapons before moving him between multiple addresses in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and London over the course of four harrowing days.

During his captivity, the victim was coerced into transferring money to various bank accounts, totalling a staggering £77,000.

Victim Escaped — But Threats Continued

Although the victim eventually managed to escape captivity, Ali continued to harass and threaten him, warning him not to involve the police. Despite the intimidation, the victim bravely came forward, sparking a criminal investigation that led to Ali’s arrest and conviction.

Police Condemn ‘Meticulously Planned’ Crime

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Sergeant Richard Marshall of Bedfordshire Police said:

“This was an exceptionally violent attack, executed with weapons for financial gain. The offence clearly shows meticulous planning, and when Ali lost control of the situation, he resorted to threatening the victim in a desperate attempt to evade justice.

“The victim has shown immense courage by coming forward, and I am pleased for him. The lengthy sentence handed to Ali sends a strong message.”

DS Marshall added that police believe Ali has been deeply involved in serious violence and gang-related activity and stressed the force’s commitment to pursuing violent offenders and organised crime networks.

Community Reassured as Justice Served

The sentencing has been welcomed by local communities as a strong deterrent against violent crime, with authorities reinforcing their message that no one is above the law — regardless of age or affiliations.

Police are continuing to investigate Ali’s wider criminal connections, and further arrests have not been ruled out.