Burnaby man charged in 'despicable' ransom hoax: police

Police charged a 20-year-old man Monday in what one officer calleda "despicable act of greed," after a ransom hoax was played on the family of a missing young man from Burnaby, B.C.

Bryan Braumberger, 18, has been missing since May 31. His abandoned car was found the next day.

Burnaby RCMP Cpl. Jane Baptista said Braumberger's family received a ransom note on June 18, demanding cash in return for information on his whereabouts. She said police conducted an extensive investigation but found itwas ahoax.

Shokhi Hossain, 20,of Burnaby wasarrested three days after the ransom note was received and charged Monday withone count of extortion.

Baptista said Braumberger's family is having an extremely difficult time dealing with the incident.

"They were absolutely devastated by this absolutely hideous despicable act of greed. It's almost like getting a glimmer of hope from somebody and then to have all those hopes dashed once again," she said.

Hossain was remanded by a Justice of the Peace and attended Vancouver Provincial Court on Monday afternoon.

He has been released on bail and must appear again in court on July 16.

The investigation into Braumberger's disappearance continues. Police are still requesting anyone who has seen Braumberger or knows his whereabouts to contact the Burnaby RCMP.