Israeli Businessman Released After Getting Abducted By Brazilian Criminals

SAO PAULO (VINnews) — An Israeli businessman had the fright of his life on Friday when he experienced an ordeal that thankfully lasted less than a day.

Yad Binyamin resident Moshe Bendek, who operates a handbag and diamond store in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was abducted by criminal elements early Friday morning.

While details about the abduction remain scarce, Bendek was thankfully released later Friday afternoon after a police operation.

Bendek was reported to be safe at the police station is Brazil and had briefly spoken to his wife.

A statement from the Israeli Foreign Ministry read: “We are happy to hear that an Israeli citizen was released after he was abducted yesterday afternoon in Brazil.””From the early hours of the morning, the Israeli consulate in Sao Paulo, together with the Department of Israelis Abroad, has been in contact with the family and the Brazilian authorities in order to assist and facilitate his release.”

“In a quick operation by the Brazilian police, the citizen was released from the kidnappers after his location was verified. The Brazilian police, the family and members of the Jewish community have been in constant contact with the Consulate General in Sao Paulo, with the Consul General, Rafi Erdreich, the Consul Aviel Avraham and the Attaché of the Israel Police, Mr. Moshe Turgeman, to assist in the release process.”