Serbia police rescue five men held for ransom

Serbian police rescued three Turkish and two Afghan nationals who had been abducted and held for a 30,000-euro, or $34,700, ransom, the interior ministry said Sunday.

Three suspects were arrested on suspicion of seizing the five men in the capital, Belgrade, on Wednesday.

The interior ministry said the suspects are believed to have taken the men to a holiday home in the Vladimirci area, about 70 kilometres west of Belgrade, where they physically and psychologically abused them.

Police footage showed a raided house and a white van containing what appeared to be restraint straps. The footage also showed the five rescued men, who appeared to be in good physical condition.

Police said the suspects were remanded in police custody and will be handed over to prosecutors. No further details about the rescued men or the operation were released.