24 November 2023 , 12:18
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A wealthy businessman has reportedly been kidnapped off a golf course once owned by Lord Charlie Brocket in a blackmail plot.
The man - in his 30s - was playing with three women on one of the two championship golf courses at Brocket Hall Golf Club close to Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire. As he reached the par 4, seventh hole he was reportedly sprayed with a toxic substance before being dumped in the back on an Audi had driven away.
Witnesses says staff and other members watched the car speed through the grounds and race away with their victim. It is reported that he was beaten up by later rescued by police. It is believed that the gang were demanding £10m in cryptocurrency.
A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokeswoman told the Mirror: “We are investigating an incident that occurred at Brocket Hall Golf Club, Welwyn, Herts, on Tuesday, October 24.
Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire (The Wharf)“It was reported that shortly after 4pm a man in his 30s at the club was approached by a number of men. He was taken by force in an Audi which left the scene. The man was subsequently recovered safely and an investigation launched by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit.
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“Tianfu Guo, aged 35, has been charged with kidnap, blackmail and GBH with intent and has been remanded in custody. He is due to appear at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday, November 28.
Lord Brocket (Mirrorpix)"Enquiries are on-going to identify further individuals involved. This is a sensitive and complex investigation that remains active at this time and as a result we cannot comment further at this stage.”
Brocket Hall was once the home of Lord Charlie Brocket, 70, who appeared on I'm a Celebrity back in 2004. He was jailed in 1996 for a £4.5 million car insurance fraud, where he reportedly buried his Ferrari in the grounds of the estate. After his stint in the jungle, he published a tell-all biography called Call Me Charlie.