An Australian billionaire survived a shocking kidnapping attempt by bravely fighting off his alleged attackers.
Tim Heath, who made his fortune from cryptocurrency gambling, was allegedly attacked in his luxury apartment in the Estonian capital, Tallinn, in late July.
News of the brazen attack only emerged months later, after one of the suspects appeared before the Tallinn Circuit Court.
Ilgar Mamedov, originally from another Eastern European country, Georgia, had been detained since the alleged attack and was seeking bail. ERR News reported.
Research publication Eesti Express reported that Mamedov and others had gone to Estonia to allegedly try to kidnap Mr. Heath.
In a plot reminiscent of a Hollywood thriller, on July 29 men in high-visibility vests allegedly posing as painters and decorators entered the apartment building in Tallinn’s old town where Mr. Heath lives.
They were lying in wait for the Australian businessman, but he was able to defend himself when they allegedly pounced on him.
The men had reportedly purchased equipment at a hardware store days earlier and were allegedly planning to take Heath to a remote hideout in the Kakerdaja swamp, about 65 kilometers from Tallinn.
Australian billionaire Tim Heath (pictured) survived a shocking kidnapping attempt by bravely fighting off his alleged attackers.
They had rented a property through Airbnb, but as it had a security camera and the gang had used a rental car from Bolt, this made it easier for Estonian authorities to track and arrest them.
The court heard the investigation into the alleged failed kidnapping attempt is ongoing.
A prosecutor said none of the alleged criminals are Estonian citizens, but the number of those involved was not revealed and Mamedov is the only one identified so far.
He was arrested in Lithuania – another Eastern European country – and extradited to Estonia.
The motive for the alleged kidnapping attempt is unknown, but given Mr Heath’s enormous wealth, it is likely to have been financial.
The Australian Financial Review has estimated his fortune at $2.27 billion and he is believed to be the 62nd richest Australian.
The alleged kidnapping attempt occurred the week before the $100 million Bombay Club, a casino designed for wealthy patrons known as high rollers, opened in Tallinn.
The casino has opulent gaming rooms, rooms, smoking lounges, restaurants and other facilities.
Heath, who made his fortune from cryptocurrency gambling, was allegedly attacked in his luxury apartment in the Estonian capital Tallinn (pictured)
Heath, 46, began his business career in 2013 with an online poker website that later became Bitcasino.io.
He is also the founder of Yolo Group, owner of other online casinos and sports betting platforms, including Sportsbet.io.
Some of its companies have been shirt sponsors of English Premier League football teams.
Yolo is headquartered in Estonia, where it employs around 1,000 people.
Heath, a keen cricket fan, has been a driving force in the development of the sport in Estonia.
