End of an ordeal: The moment kidnappers cut loose Sydney property developer’s brother

The brother of a Sydney property developer was ambushed outside his home, bundled into a car and held for ransom by an “underworld gang” – and after four anxious days cut loose on a Sydney street.

George Ayoub, who police feared would be tortured or killed, was emotionally reunited with loved ones and supporters on camera, including an ex-gangster-turned-fixer who claims $1 million was paid to secure Ayoub’s release.

Ayoub’s ordeal began early on Thursday morning, with CCTV capturing the moment the younger brother of Masscon founder Charlie Ayoub was ambushed by a group of attackers.

Cameras, positioned across the road from the Belfield home, filmed what appears to be a white car pulling up outside just before dawn as George Ayoub walks onto the street.

Three men dart from the white car and intercept the 28-year-old, dragging him back into the car before the video cuts.

The Herald learnt of the kidnapping on Thursday morning but was asked by police not to release details. Investigators feared publicity might incite the offenders to harm Ayoub.

But the news spread on social media after former gangster Peter Vaiusu pleaded for the unknown culprits to release Ayoub, and vowed to pay $80,000 worth of gold to secure his release.

In videos posted to TikTok and Instagram on Thursday, Vaiusu said he received a call from a distressed Charlie Ayoub about an hour after George was snatched off the street.

“I’ve lived the life, I’ve been charged with kidnapping myself – other gangsters – so I know how it works,” he said.

“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.”

Distressed family and friends had converged on the Belfield home on Thursday afternoon, comforting each other and speaking with police.

Detectives with clipboards came and went from the property, which was guarded by police. Cars of family and friends joined police patrolling the streets around the home.

Demands were made to the Ayoub family for payment.

Police worked around the clock to try to locate Ayoub, focusing on the white getaway vehicle and trying to trace its movements.

After days of silence, with no apparent breaks in the case, Ayoub was released uninjured in Chipping Norton in the city’s west at about 2.15am on Monday.

A police statement said officers attached to Campsie Police Area Command with State Crime Command’s robbery and serious crime squad “commenced an investigation into the kidnapping of a 28-year-old man from Belfield about 5am (Thursday).

“Investigations under Strike Force Mammoth are continuing, and as such, police will not be making further comment at this time.”

In a social media post on Monday morning, Vaiusu confirmed that Ayoub had been released after a $1 million ransom was offered to secure 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 [were] priceless,” Vaiusu said.

Vaiusu posted a second video, on Monday, showing a convoy of Ford Ranger utes driving through darkened streets and meeting with hooded and obscured figures for a handover.

The black and white video, set to Tupac’s rap song Keep Goin’, appears to show George Ayoub being greeted and hugged by men at Shell service station in Chipping Norton.

The song fades and a man is heard weeping before two men – one believed to be Ayoub – embrace Vaiusu.

“This is your baby brother,” one figure says.

“Thank you,” another figure, believed to be Ayoub, says through tears.

George Ayoub, 28, is also involved in business dealings with his two brothers, Charlie, 37, and Normie, 34. The trio own a rural property in the Southern Highlands.

Police sources on Monday said no arrests had been made, but an investigation was ongoing to ascertain who had kidnapped George Ayoub. They would not confirm if a ransom was paid for his release.

Kidnappings have become a tactic recently employed by the underworld, as various groups vie for control of Sydney’s west and south.

Last month, solicitor Sylvan Singh had his practising certificate terminated after being charged with directing a violent kidnapping.

Singh, who had survived a gangland shooting targeting one of his clients earlier this year, allegedly directed a group of men as they abducted and tortured a 31-year-old man in an abandoned St Mary’s home late last year.

Police allege the kidnapping and torture was filmed on a mobile phone and used in ransom demands, before he was released. Three other men have previously been charged and remain before the courts.

There is no suggestion Singh’s case is linked to the abduction of Ayoub.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.