Kidnappers feel bad for poor hostage, give her money and set her free

Two kidnappers in China had a huge change of heart.

On March 9, the criminal duo kidnapped an 11-year-old girl walking alone on the street in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, with the intention of asking her family for a 1 million yuan (about $170,000 CAD) ransom to help pay off their gambling debts.

They quickly learned, however, that their young hostage's family had no money and couldn't afford such a large ransom, Shanghai Daily reported.

Spooked by the surrounding police presence and realizing that their hostage wouldn't be able to get them out of debt as they had hoped, the kidnappers gave the girl 500 yuan (about $85 CAD) of their own money and let her go.

Police eventually caught the pair, identified only as Lu and Xie in court, in Fujian Province and handed them 4- and 5-year sentences.

Police believe the pair spent more than 10,000 yuan ($1,700 CAD) on supplies, accommodations and car rentals for their unsuccessful ransom scheme.

They noted that the kidnappers took good care of the girl.