The Barker-Karpis gang operated in St. Paul, Minnesota under the protection of mobbed up police chief Tom Brown and local organized crime figures Jack Peifer and Harry Sawyer.

[1] It is thought that Bremer was not chosen simply because of his wealth, but also because of a personal vendetta, possibly linked to the ending of the prohibition era.

Barker repeatedly punched and pistol-whipped him, forcing him into the back of Bremer’s car and placing blindfolding goggles over his eyes.

After having some difficulty starting the vehicle, the kidnappers forced the bleeding Bremer to show them the starter button, then drove off, later switching to another car.

Messages demanding $200,000 (equivalent to $4,555,000 in 2023) were left with the Bremers' trusted business associate and former chauffeur Walter Magee.

Adolph Bremer, the victim's father, refused to pay up unless the kidnappers provided proof of life.

When Adolph also tried to reduce the ransom money, Fred Barker became enraged and suggested they should kill Edward.

They launched an intensive investigation, declaring Alvin Karpis, presumed leader of the gang, to be "Public Enemy No.

When they threatened to reveal what they believed about his links to organized crime, he admitted what he knew about the kidnappers, and his suspicions about their connection to Sawyer.

The gang knew that they needed to launder the money, but the intensity of the FBI pressure meant that most of their criminal contacts refused to participate.

Doc wouldn't talk, but Bolton told the FBI everything he knew in exchange for a light sentence.

Brown was implicated as a conspirator in the kidnapping after an investigation by the FBI and a hearing before the city Civil Service Board.