Woman Lured Saudi Prince in Shocking Kidnap Scheme
A young woman avoided jail after playing a key role in a Saudi prince’s kidnapping for ransom involving Bitcoin
Catherine Colivas, Saudi Arabia, Kidnapping, Bitcoin, Victoria, Australia
Melbourne: A former childcare worker, Catherine Colivas, has been in the spotlight after her role in a bizarre kidnapping case. She lured a Saudi prince into a trap, and now she’s learned her fate.
In court, Colivas, just 23, was surrounded by family as she faced serious charges like kidnapping and extortion. Surprisingly, she avoided jail time. The judge, Nola Karapanagiotidis, noted some “exceptional” circumstances that allowed her to stay in the community.
So, what happened? Colivas met the prince on a dating app and arranged a night out. After dinner, things took a dark turn. He was ambushed by three men and forced into a car.
The prince, only 23, was threatened with violence and demanded to pay a $20,000 ransom. He managed to convince them he could get Bitcoin instead, all while a knife was held to his throat.
During the chaos, his phone fell, and Colivas was contacted to return it to the kidnappers. Eventually, a friend in the UK sent $15,000 in Bitcoin, but the kidnappers wanted more.
They demanded an extra $10,000 through Snapchat, threatening the prince’s life again. After more back and forth, he was finally released and made it to a police station, where he collapsed from the ordeal.
While all this was happening, Colivas and her friend, Paris Kennedy, raided the prince’s apartment, stealing luxury items like designer clothes and electronics.
The judge highlighted the severe impact this crime had on the prince, who now suffers from PTSD and nightmares. He described that night as one of the worst experiences of his life.
A psychologist suggested Colivas got involved due to her own issues with violence and self-image. Despite the seriousness of her actions, the judge found that her troubled past and efforts to rehabilitate were compelling reasons to avoid prison.
Colivas received a 2½ year community corrections order, which includes treatment for her issues and 240 hours of community service. Meanwhile, Kennedy got a year-long good behavior bond for her part in the crime.
Both women have expressed remorse, writing apology letters to the prince, who watched the proceedings via video link. Colivas is now working at a salon and getting involved in her church, while Kennedy plans to start a new business in NSW.