Two Dogs Rescued After Being Kidnapped and Held for $1 Million Ransom
Two men have been arrested in connection with the theft and ransom of two dogs in Switzerland, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The case, which spanned multiple countries, led to a dramatic rescue of the stolen pets.
The ordeal began on February 24, when a 59-year-old Swiss man returned to his apartment in Zurich's Schlieren neighborhood to find his two Bolonka dogs missing. A ransom note had been left behind, demanding 1 million Swiss francs (approximately $1.13 million USD) in exchange for the dogs' safe return.
A High-Stakes Crime Involving a Rare Dog Breed
Bolonka dogs, known for their affectionate nature, are a rare toy breed that originated in Russia. They belong to the Bichon family and are primarily bred as companion animals. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the price for a Bolonka puppy typically ranges between $1,500 and $3,000.
Given their value and rarity, authorities immediately launched an investigation into the theft.
Arrests Made in Switzerland and Poland
The breakthrough came on March 7, when Swiss authorities arrested a 30-year-old Norwegian man at Zurich Airport as he attempted to leave the country. The suspect was taken into custody in Switzerland.
Further investigation led Swiss police to Poland, where they identified a 38-year-old Polish suspect believed to be directly involved in the crime. Polish authorities arrested the second suspect on March 5.
The Dogs' Safe Return
Following the arrest, Polish police located the stolen dogs at a residence in Poland. Their owner traveled to Poland and was finally reunited with them on March 8.
Authorities have confirmed that Polish law enforcement will continue the investigation to determine the full extent of the crime and whether additional individuals were involved.
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