I remember the kidnap plot well and think it was wildly exaggerated. It was actually a “scope” by the liars and creators of drama who used to be known as the “news of the world”. They devised/ uncovered a dossier on the murky Eastern European gang (of Course, there’s a bit of racism chucked in- it was the NOTW!) then allegedly informed the Beckhams and the police.
the beckhams have eagerly reported this story ever since, framed by how traumatised they were but it’s never been clear how believable or viable the threat was. My instinct is it was as unlikely as it sounds.