Caption: Derek “Stones” Tardieu
By Alicia Chamely
THE investigation into the kidnapping of Derek “Stones” Tardieu, 70, and his wife Claribel, 47, is at a “sensitive stage.”
Contacted for an update on the investigation on Monday evening, Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro told AZP News that “specialised units” were also engaged in the matter.
Guevarro said, “At this sensitive stage of the investigation, it would not be prudent to reveal operational details publicly.
“What I can assure, is that several of our specialised units are actively engaged in this investigation and I urge members of the public who have any information to please cooperate with the TTPS so as to ensure that Mr Tardieu is returned safely to his family.
“Kidnapping for ransom will be met with decisive action, and the TTPS remains fully committed to protecting citizens and bringing perpetrators to justice.”
The couple was reported missing on Saturday night, after neither could be reached by phone. Tardieu’s son arrived at his father’s home on Monos Island to find it ransacked.
It was confirmed by police that a voice note was sent to a relative around 9.44pm, with Tardieu saying, “de have meh and want $2.5 million US for meh release.”
On Monday, a video was circulated of Tardieu and his wife in a heavily forested area, pleading for their ransom to be paid, while an individual off screen was holding a grenade to Tardieu’s chest, and a high-powered rifle to his head.
He was heard on the video saying, “Robert, please dinero from muchacho, my life, my wife, no good.”
They lived at a farm on Monos Island.
