British millionaire Colin Armstrong and lover snatched under police disguise in Ecuador
The destinies of the wealthiest citizens have long drawn media coverage. Although often discussed in terms of their overwhelming wealth, grand weddings, or exotic trips, it doesn't mean that their lives are forever blissful. An apt illustration of this just occurred to Colin Armstrong, a 78-year-old British millionaire. Over the past weekend, the businessman and former honorary British consul was kidnapped in Ecuador and currently his fate remains uncertain.
Mysterious abduction of a 78-year-old millionaire: Colin Armstrong and his partner kidnapped by individuals pretending to be police officers
The ordeal of Armstrong who, up until 2016 was the head of the British Consulate in Guayaquil, initiated at his ranch situated in Baba, a town in the Los Rios province of Ecuador. Foreign media, including the "Daily Mail" and "The Sun", reported that Armstrong, the 78-year-old millionaire, was kidnapped by roughly 15 masked men before 3 A.M. last Saturday. His significantly younger girlfriend, Katherine Paola Santos of Colombia, was also kidnapped.
The "Daily Mail" reports that the group of kidnappers led the couple away from Armstrong's estate in a black BMW, which was later found abandoned on the side of the road between Baba and Salitre. The abduction of the 78-year-old businessman is now confirmed by local police. British authorities have disclosed that they are in contact with Ecuador regarding the kidnapping of a UK citizen but, they have not confirmed his identity.
A millionaire kidnapped: Has the lover of the 78-year-old been located?
According to "The Guardian," recently in Ecuador, there has been a growing number of abductions for ransom which is tied to the activities of drug cartels. As of now, it's unclear whether the culprits behind Armstrong's kidnapping demanded any money. Interestingly, there have been reports that Armstrong's lover has already been rescued and currently is under interrogation.
Prosecutors and police officers in Ecuador are currently conducting an investigation related to Colin Armstrong's abduction, stated attorney Ricardo Vanegas.
Armstrong's relationship with the younger Colombian woman is drawing considerable attention. Shortly after the abduction of Agripac's founder and owner, the media was saturated with pictures of the couple, which could previously be viewed on the Instagram profile of Katherine Paoli Santos. The millionaire's partner shared numerous photos showcasing their luxurious lifestyle, including a safari outing, horseback riding, and a cruise trip. Images of the couple against the backdrop of an Egyptian pyramid and a snapshot of the couple on a Jamaican vacation have been circulating on TikTok. In one photo, Santos was seen practicing yoga, leaning her legs against Armstrong who was seated next to her.
However, not all the content related to Armstrong was positive. British tabloids reported about a chilling video shot at Armstrong's residence post-abduction. The woman who recorded the video documented the wrecked interior of the businessman's residence, including broken plates scattered on the floor and bloodstains on the bedding and floor in one of the bedrooms.
"Here they hit him. My God, what is this," the woman commented in the video.
Colin Armstrong's daughter, Diana Armstrong-Bruns, has expressed her worries. Speaking to the "Daily Mail," she mentioned that her only concern is her father's safe return.
"This is a critical time, we were told to keep quiet. We just want my father back" she stated.
Do you believe that the mystery of the millionaire's kidnapping will be unraveled?
