A prominent property developer has sensationally claimed that the kidnapping of his brother by an underworld gang – who then demanded a $1million ransom – was a case of ‘mistaken identity’.
George Ayoub, 28, the younger brother of Masscon Property founder Charlie Ayoub, 37, was kidnapped while leaving his Belfield home in Sydney‘s south-west shortly before 6am last Thursday.
George was held hostage for four days as a $1million demand was sent to his family, before he was released to loved ones at a Chipping Norton petrol station about 2.15am on Monday.
Speaking to the Daily Mail on Tuesday, Charlie Ayoub said his little brother wasn’t injured during the ordeal and that he is ‘doing well’ since being freed.
Charlie, whose company has developed large apartment complexes across the Sydney basin, said the family have no idea who orchestrated and carried out the kidnapping.
He claimed that the perpetrators covered George’s face so he did not know where he was being held.
While the family are awaiting the outcome of the ongoing police investigation, Charlie claimed they believe George was not, in fact, the intended target.
‘We believe it is mistaken identity,’ he said, something that he said was a ‘relief’.
Charlie Ayoub, 37, (left) is pictured with his younger brother, George Ayoub, 28 (right)
Masscon Property founder Charlie Ayoub (pictured) has spoken out about his brother’s kidnapping ordeal
It is understood the brothers have business dealings with each other
Charlie said that the family’s conclusions were based on their assessment of the situation, rather than any intelligence shared to them by detectives.
He did not provide any further explanation about why the family have formed the mistaken identity theory.
When the Daily Mail asked whether a ransom was paid, Charlie said he wanted to wait for the police investigation to run its course before discussing the incident any further.
Property records show George’s home, which is valued at around $2.4million, was built by the Ayoub family’s company in 2023.
As investigations into the attack continue, Ayoub associates were spotted packing up George’s house on Tuesday afternoon.
A woman and two men could be seen carting suitcases, baskets, shirts, and bags filled with belongings out of his house and loading them into the back of a ute before leaving.
The saga began last week when George was grabbed by three masked men and bundled into a waiting white SUV as he walked out of his driveway to go to the gym.
Reformed gangster Peter Vaiusu later pleaded for George’s release on social media after receiving a panicked phone call from business contact Charlie Ayoub.
Associates were seen taking items out of George Ayoub’s home and packing them into the back of a car on Tuesday
The group could be seen loading a vehicle with clothes, baskets, and other personal items
One of the men appeared to remove a mirror from the house before placing it into the back of a ute
Mr Vaiusu offered to hand over $80,000 worth of gold for George’s safe release.
‘He got kidnapped this morning, he has never been in trouble in his life, never had a criminal record, never been involved with gangs,’ he said.
‘But they nabbed him this morning because his brother, Charlie, has a little bit of money.’
In a plea posted online at the time, Mr Vaisu said: ‘To the gang that nabbed him this morning, I’m asking you, please, let him go.
‘I’ve lived the life, I’ve been charged with kidnapping myself – other gangsters – so I know how it works.
‘All I’m asking for is a bit of compassion… At this point, right now, it’s all about the Ayoub family. This guy is not a gangster.’
The Daily Mail understands George has business dealings with his older brothers Charlie, 37, and Normie, 34, and they own a rural property together in the NSW Southern Highlands.
He was not known to police prior to the incident and had no criminal history, according to NSW Police sources.
Following the kidnapping, reformed gangster Peter Vaiusu took to social media, calling for Ayoub’s release and offering $80,000 worth of gold
George (pictured) spent four days held captive before he was released
CCTV footage shows the moment Ayoub was kidnapped
Strike force detectives from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad spent four days searching for George in a top secret police operation before he was released.
Police had previously requested the media to keep the kidnapping secret for operational reasons, amid fears that publicity could result in George being harmed.
Vaiusu confirmed George’s safe release on Monday, saying $1million had been put up to free him.
‘It’s 3.30am, I haven’t had any sleep for three days,’ Vaiusu said, eyes visibly red.
‘The boys and I have been doing what we have to do to secure his freedom, it’s a long story.
‘But $1million was put up. As of an hour ago, we finally secured his freedom.
‘The look on George’s face when he saw us was priceless and also the tears that came from his family’s face when we walked him into the house was priceless.’
Vaiusu later released a video showing Charlie and George embracing as they were reunited at the petrol station, surrounded by a group of friends.
‘Profoundly moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love,’ Vaiusu wrote.
‘Thank you for the unwavering support, it has been a source of immense strength for us.’
Police investigations continue.
