HOLLYWOOD - Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have been left stunned by news of a plot to kidnap their newly adopted son Pax Thien, according to reports.

Jolie's security team learned of a plot to abduct the 3-year-old Vietnamese boy as the actress made plans to return to America on March 19, according to the new issue of Life & Style magazine.

An insider close to the couple's security team tells the publication that Pitt and Jolie's publicists are playing down the threat, but reveals the kidnap plot was credible and meticulously planned by a deadly gang.

The source says, "They're highly skilled operatives with little regard for human life. Information came out that leaders of the gang ordered their L.A. members to devise a plan to kidnap Pax before demanding a ransom of $100 million--equal to the profit from a year of drug dealing--for his safe return.

"Brad and Angie would have a number of days to hand over the money or risk the boy's life."