Four Gisborne men have appeared in court on kidnapping and robbery charges on Monday after an online car deal went wrong.
Police say a Hilux ute was listed on Trade Me in December last year and was swapped in January for a Nissan Skyline, which recently broke down.
Detective Sergeant Theo Akroyd said the people involved in the swap met on Thursday night after an Opotiki man realised he had left his wallet and some money in the Nissan.
Police alleged the accused decided they wanted the Hilux back, and kidnapped its new owner at gunpoint before eventually letting him go.
The charges include unlawful possession of a firearm, kidnapping and aggravated robbery.
The four were remanded on bail to reappear in the Gisborne District Court on 8 February.