A chilling scene unfolded when a white SUV came to a halt, and three individuals exited the vehicle. Their target: 28-year-old George Ayoub, who was just on his way to the gym. In a shocking turn of events, Ayoub was forcibly taken and shoved into the car.

George Ayoub, notably the brother of a well-known property developer, then endured a harrowing experience, reportedly kept as a hostage for four days. During this period, law enforcement stepped in with urgency.

9News was privy to this disturbing incident when it came to light last Thursday. However, they respected a police request to withhold broadcasting the news, as it might have hindered ongoing operations.

As the days of Ayoub’s captivity stretched on, authorities launched a strike force dedicated to unraveling the mystery of his whereabouts and ensuring his safety. Meanwhile, the family of the abducted man faced additional torment, allegedly receiving ransom demands from the captors.

In the four days of the man’s captivity, police established a strike force to investigate the incident and determine his location.

It’s also been alleged that the victim’s family received ransom demands.

A family friend and social media personality known online as Triggs had posted videos calling for Ayoub’s release, and he posted another one at about 3.30am today, confirming he had been freed.

“$1 million was put up as of an hour ago,” he said.

“We finally secured his freedom, and 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.”

It’s believed Ayoub contacted his family at about 2am from a service station in Chipping Norton.

9News understands Ayoub has no criminal record and is not known to police.

The three suspects seen on the CCTV footage remain on the run, and the police investigation is ongoing.