Man allegedly demanded $1 million ransom over kidnapping of two Melbourne children
A man allegedly demanded a $1 million ransom for the return of two young children who he allegedly kidnapped from their home in Melbourne's east.
Jiangang Ji, 36, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates' Court today, facing charges including two counts of kidnapping, trespassing, aggravated burglary, armed robbery and false imprisonment.
Police allege the construction worker tried to blackmail his boss by kidnapping his two children, aged five and three.
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Jiangang Ji faced court on Wednesday. 9News
The Mitcham man allegedly broke into his boss' Blackburn North family home armed with a knife shortly after 8.30am on Monday.
Police alleged he bound, gagged and assaulted a 32-year-old woman then abducted her two children and stole her black Mercedes.
He was allegedly arrested more than 10 hours later, after 7pm, when he was allegedly caught putting the children back into the car.
Mr Ji's three housemates were also arrested but have been released without charge.
9News understands Mr Ji was employed by the children's father.
Two children were allegedly taken from their Blackburn North home. Nine
The court heard Mr Ji had never been in custody before, with his lawyer saying he was experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Mr Ji sobbed during his court hearing, holding his bruised face in his hands, and told a prison guard he was sorry.
Police maintain the family is still "bewildered" by what happened here and are certain they had no enemies.
The Black Mercedes allegedly stolen from the family home. Victoria Police
They're yet to return home and are being provided accommodation by police.
The children were not injured.
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