A man from Sydney's west, who was reported as having been kidnapped, was found in a cafe at Brighton-Le-Sands.
Police allege the man staged his own "kidnapping" in an attempt to extort money from people known to him.
"Shortly after 5am yesterday (Tuesday), police received reports that a 31-year-old man from Toongabbie had been kidnapped and assaulted," a police statement said.
"A police operation to recover the man was initiated by officers attached to Camden Police Area Command, Parramatta Police Area Command and St George Police Area Command with assistance from the State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad.
"Following extensive inquiries, St George detectives located the man at a cafe in Brighton-Le-Sands about 11.50am.
"The man was under no risk of harm and showed no signs of injury.
"He was arrested, along with two men aged 28 and 27 and a 24-year-old woman, who were in his company.
"They were all taken to St George Police Station.
"Police will allege the Toongabbie man attempted to extort money from people known to him while falsely claiming to be a victim of an assault and kidnapping."
The man was charged with give false information person/property in danger, false representation resulting in police investigation, use carriage service to menace/harass/offend and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm.
He was refused bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court today (Wednesday).
The two other men and woman were released without charge.
