Detectives name Blackburn kidnap victim who is still missing after 25 days

Detectives investigating an abduction at a supermarket in Blackburn have released the name of the man who they believe to be the victim.
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 30th Mar 2021, 13:46 GMT
Updated 30th Mar 2021, 14:11 GMT
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Police were called to the Tesco superstore in Hill Street, Blackburn shortly after 12.20pm on Friday, March 5, following reports that a group of men had forced another man into a burgundy Skoda estate car and driven off.

Detectives say they now believe that man to be 21-year-old Tautvydas Kaluina, who also uses the name Jonas Budrys.

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Detectives say Mr Kaluina has since been seen on CCTV footage walking alone after the suspected kidnapping, but police still need to speak to him to ensure he is OK.

Tautvydas Kaluina, who is believed to be the shorter man on the left with the distinctive hair, is pictured with a taller man, who is believed to be the man seen on previously released CCTV running into the Tesco superstore in Hill Street for help after Mr Kaluina was bundled into a car and abductedTautvydas Kaluina, who is believed to be the shorter man on the left with the distinctive hair, is pictured with a taller man, who is believed to be the man seen on previously released CCTV running into the Tesco superstore in Hill Street for help after Mr Kaluina was bundled into a car and abducted
Tautvydas Kaluina, who is believed to be the shorter man on the left with the distinctive hair, is pictured with a taller man, who is believed to be the man seen on previously released CCTV running into the Tesco superstore in Hill Street for help after Mr Kaluina was bundled into a car and abducted

Lancashire Police has released CCTV images of Mr Kaluina (pictured), who is believed to be the shorter man on the left with the distinctive hair.

He is pictured with a taller man who is believed to be the man seen on previously released CCTV running into the Tesco store for help after Mr Kaluina's was bundled into the Skoda.

Detectives say they have identified the taller man, but say they still need to speak to him as a potential witness to the abduction.

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DCI Derry Crorken, of East CID, said: "We have made significant progress with this investigation and we now believe we know both the men we have previously asked for the public’s help in identifying – one being the victim and the other being a witness to this crime.

Detectives believe the kidnapped man to be 21-year-old Tautvydas Kaluina, who also uses the name Jonas BudrysDetectives believe the kidnapped man to be 21-year-old Tautvydas Kaluina, who also uses the name Jonas Budrys
Detectives believe the kidnapped man to be 21-year-old Tautvydas Kaluina, who also uses the name Jonas Budrys

"We still need to speak to them both as part of our investigation, especially Mr Kaluina – who we need to know is OK.

"I would ask anybody with information which could assist us in finding either men to come forward as soon as possible.

"I would also appeal directly to Mr Kaluina, if he sees this appeal, to get in contact with us to let us know you are OK."

Suspects arrested and charged

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Three men have been charged in connection with the investigation.

Gratas Miktus, 24, Mantas Viktus, 26 and Luksys Liudvitkas, 25, all appeared before magistrates in Blackburn on Tuesday, March 9 charged with kidnap.

They were all remanded into custody and will appear at the Crown Court at a future date.

Four men – two aged 32 and the others aged 33 and 35 - were arrested in Peterborough earlier this month on suspicion of kidnap. They have all been released under investigation.

Anyone with information should call us on 101 quoting log 0545 of Friday, March 5.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.