Chloe Ayling Kidnapping: Key Facts and Information You Should Know

Chloe Ayling, a British model, was abducted in July 2017 while in Milan for what was supposed to be a photo shoot. She was kidnapped by two men posing as members of a criminal group called The Black Death Group. Łukasz Herba, a Polish man residing in the UK, was convicted of the kidnapping in June 2018 and sentenced to 16 years and nine months in prison. Michał Herba, his brother, initially received a 16-year sentence, which was later reduced to 5 years and 8 months in 2021. Łukasz’s sentence was also reduced to 12 years and 1 month in 2020.

At the time of the abduction, Chloe Ayling was a 20-year-old model from Coulsdon, working for Phil Green’s Supermodel Agency. Earlier in the year, Green had arranged a failed photo shoot in Paris, orchestrated by Łukasz Herba under the alias "Andre Lazio." In July 2017, Lazio contacted Green for another photo shoot in Milan. When Chloe Ayling failed to return to the UK, Green received a ransom email demanding €300,000 and threatening to auction Chloe Ayling as a sex slave on the dark web. The investigation hit a standstill until Chloe Ayling and Herba were seen together at the Milan consulate, which led to their suspicion.

During the trial, it was revealed that Herba had drugged Chloe Ayling with ketamine, restrained her, and transported her in a bag to a house near Turin. He claimed he was attempting to boost Chloe Ayling career by creating a scandal. Michał Herba, who ran a transport logistics company, was also arrested and tried based on forensic evidence linking him to the crime. Both brothers had their sentences reduced on appeal.

The case highlighted the supposed Black Death Group, which was under investigation by Interpol. The group's claims were later found to be mostly fake, with images of captives being stolen from pornographic films. Both Chloe Ayling and Green authored memoirs about the incident, which was also suspected to be a publicity stunt. In April 2023, a six-part drama based on the abduction, titled "Kidnapped", was announced and will debut on BBC Three on August 14, 2024.

FAQs 

1. How old was Chloe Ayling at the time of her abduction?

   - Chloe Ayling was 20 years old.

2. Who were the kidnappers involved in Chloe Ayling abduction?

   - The kidnappers were Łukasz Herba and Michał Herba.

3. What was the name of the criminal group that the kidnappers claimed to be a part of?

   - The kidnappers claimed to be part of a group called The Black Death Group.

4. Where did Chloe Ayling abduction take place?

   - The abduction took place in Milan, Italy.

5. What is Chloe Ayling nationality?

   - Chloe Ayling is British.

6. What was the initial demand made by the kidnappers in the ransom email?

   - The kidnappers demanded €300,000 and threatened to auction Ayling as a sex slave on the dark web.

7. What was the outcome of Łukasz Herba trial?

   - Łukasz Herba was convicted of kidnapping and sentenced to 16 years and nine months in prison, later reduced to 12 years and 1 month.

8. What happened to Michał Herba after the trial?

   - Michał Herba was initially sentenced to 16 years in prison, which was later reduced to 5 years and 8 months.

9. Is there a film or drama based on Chloe Ayling abduction?

   - Yes, a six-part drama titled "Kidnapped" is set to air on BBC Three starting August 14, 2024.

10. What was the role of Phil Green in the case?

    - Phil Green was the agent who arranged the photo shoots and was contacted by the kidnappers during the ransom demand.