A police spokesman said no “major violence” had been inflicted on the boy but refrained from going into further detail. The 48 year-old kidnapper, who appeared to be unarmed, rang the boy’s father and demanded a six-figure ransom.

After it was paid, he initially managed to evade the police but was captured some hours later at the apartment of an acquaintance.

The police said it had opted for an approach that privileged the boy’s safe release over the immediate arrest of the perpetrator.

The kidnapper hid the cash at his home and in his car and confessed to the crime after his arrest.

The boy and his family are receiving psychological support and are said to be in good form, considering their ordeal. It appears the kidnapper’s intention was to get revenge on the boy’s father.

DPA/The Local/kkf