WSOP Circuit Ring Winner Kidnapped by Extortion Gang

Four-time WSOP Circuit ring winner George Janssen has been discovered tied up at the roadside in Bad Axe, Michigan, apparently having been kidnapped by an extortion gang.

The 41-year-old was spotted by a passer-by on December 16, zip-tied and claiming he had managed to escape from his captors. He had a bloodied face and looked roughed up enough for the police to transport him to hospital for checks.

The FBI are now investigating Janssen’s claim that he was held captive for more than one month. The Michigan resident said he was tied up in a Toledo basement for 35 days.

ABC12 News reported:

“...it was on Nov. 13 when a family member of Janssen's called police, saying he was in trouble in Monroe County south of Dundee.

"A family friend eventually found Janssen's car. Photos of the car were obtained from the Monroe County Sheriff's Department. One photo shows a couple of $50 bills on the floor of the car.“

Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson said Janssen was driven back to Huron County to recover some hidden money for the alleged kidnappers who were aware that he had won as much as half a million dollars in live poker.

The family added that he had complained about repeated extortion attempts for the past two years. The fact that Janssen’s two career best cashes came in the past three months probably didn’t help the situation.

$82,823 and $79,861 onto his career record and no less than four victories in high-stakes WSOPC events definitely would make him a target.

Sheriff Hanson said:

"We can't substantiate whether it did happen or it didn't happen. But there are a lot of things that need to be looked into.”

The case was turned over to the FBI who refused to confirm or deny an investigation was ongoing.