NSW Police on Monday confirmed Ayoub had been recovered alive after days of secretive investigations, which included a four-day search by robbery and serious crime squad detectives.
The Herald was asked not to release details of the kidnapping last week by police, who cited fears publicity might incite the kidnappers to harm Ayoub.
In the hours after the kidnapping, Vaiusu vowed to pay $80,000 worth of gold to Ayoub’s captors to secure his release, cutting short his own personal goal of making $1 million in a year since his release from prison.
Family members and friends outside the Belfield home from where Ayoub was kidnapped.
Credit: Sam Mooy
“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.”
Family members and friends 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.
Ayoub 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.
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