Airbnb Tip-Off Foils Plot to Kidnap Hull Man

Three men were sentenced at Hull Crown Court on Friday for their involvement in a sophisticated plot to kidnap an individual from Hull. The conspiracy, aimed at retrieving drugs or their monetary value, was planned by an organized crime group. Anthony Andjole, David Glen-Meade, and Michael McDonald received lengthy prison sentences.

The plan was ultimately foiled because the owner of an Airbnb property in Goxhill, Lincolnshire, grew suspicious of the renters on January 28, 2025, and contacted the police. Responding officers, initially believing they were attending a burglary, discovered a pistol loaded with seven bullets and a "kidnap kit" containing items like rope, cable ties, and tape, hidden in the bedrooms.

Andjole, described as the "fixer" for the group based in Holland, orchestrated the plot in England. Glen-Meade was recruited as a "soldier" and was promised £10,000 for his participation. McDonald's DNA was found on the pistol, indicating his involvement in attempting to conceal the weapon. Evidence also suggested a reconnaissance trip had been made to the intended victim's home in Hull.

Glen-Meade received seven years imprisonment after being found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap. Andjole was sentenced to 12 years for conspiracy to kidnap and possessing a firearm with intent, having pleaded guilty earlier. McDonald received nine years for similar charges, with his DNA found on the firearm. Two other individuals, Indiana Smith and Chloe Brooks, received lesser sentences for participating in an organised crime group's activities.