This is not a ransom but your lack of time reading the terms before you use the services. You should check their newsletter regularly if you didn’t support KYC requirements since any exchange services has the tendency to requires. Your funds is already subjected to their terms the moment you send it to them. Their ToS is publicly available for you to review it.

I will believe that they scam you if the KYC requirements is not stated in their terms and conditions before you made your deposit. 1.5XMR is already significant amount.
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Absolutely a ransom when not returning the XMR back to the sender's address if KYC is not opted for.  Plus, KYC should be verified BEFORE a transaction is initiated, not after.  Definitely a scam.