They are asking for a ransom of 9 million euros in Monero cryptocurrency
The abduction of the wife of a Norwegian millionaire has shocked Norway, a country with a low crime rate.
Anne-Elizabeth Falkevik Hagen disappeared on October 31. But police announced the case on Wednesday, hoping to gather information. Some have already demanded a ransom of 9 million euros, according to the newspaper Verdens Gang, in Monero cryptocurrency. However, so far there is no evidence that the 68-year-old is alive, or that those who demanded the ransom are holding her.
She is the wife of croissant Tom Hagen, who is active in the real estate and energy sectors. His fortune is estimated at 174 million euros. The couple lived a lonely life, according to Norwegian media, which describe the businessman as a man who avoids the media.
"There has been a demand for ransom but also serious threats," said Police Inspector Tommy Broske. "Our theory is that the victim was abducted from her home in Lorenskog, about 20 km from Oslo," he added, noting that authorities have considered various possible theories about the woman's disappearance. He added that the police have not received any evidence that the 68-year-old is alive "but we have no evidence that she is not alive".
Police declined to confirm that the ransom demanded was 9m euros, but said their advice to the family was not to pay the alleged kidnappers. Communication with the latter is extremely limited, Boske said, but did not reveal when the most recent contact took place.
