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When Run Run Shaw’s son was kidnapped in Singapore by gunmen and held captive for nearly 12 days

  • In February 1964 Vee Meng Shaw, son of film mogul Run Run Shaw, and his driver were kidnapped in broad daylight by four gunmen in Singapore, the Post reported
  • When both were freed nearly 12 days later, Shaw speculated their captors freed them over their ‘violent stomach trouble’ or had seen no ransom would be paid

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Vee Ming Shaw (left), with his father Run Run Shaw, being interviewed by reporters at Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong. On February 6, 1964, Vee Meng Shaw was kidnapped in Singapore and held for nearly 12 days. Photo: Wah Kiu Yat Pao
Dave Besseling

“Four armed men today kidnapped in broad daylight the eldest son of Mr Run Run Shaw, the multi-millionaire and cinema magnate,” reported the South China Morning Post on February 6, 1964.

“Mr Vee Meng Shaw (32), a lawyer and legal adviser in his father’s enterprise, the Shaw Brothers organisation, was kidnapped while he was on his way to work with his wife in a chauffeur-driven car [in Singapore].

“Four gunmen, in a van, blocked the way as Mr Shaw’s car was turning into the main road, a few hundred yards from his house on Holland Hill, pulled him and his chauffeur out, bundled them into the van, and drove away.

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“The kidnappers, with guns and daggers, left Mrs Shaw unharmed. Police believe that Mr Shaw is being held for ransom by the kidnappers, but the Shaw family declined to say anything about the kidnapping.”

Run Run Shaw leaving the airport with his wife following his return from Singapore after his son Vee Ming Shaw was released from kidnappers. Photo: SCMP
Run Run Shaw leaving the airport with his wife following his return from Singapore after his son Vee Ming Shaw was released from kidnappers. Photo: SCMP

On February 18, the Post reported that “a Police spokesman said Mr Shaw and his driver, Mundari, were both released in a suburb of Singapore between 5pm and 6pm [on February 17]. The spokesman said they were both weak and fatigued.”

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