The threat of kidnapping

The author on this occasion tells us about the serious implications that brings with it a very common weakness in Latin America such as Kidnapping. It also provides guidelines to avoid it.

By Héctor R. Torres, PhD, CPP, CFE, CHS

A fraternal greeting from Puerto Rico to all colleagues and readers of this column! It is a pleasure to share again with you. I recently had the pleasure of participating in the 2010 Technobuilding Congress held in Medellin, Colombia. I had not returned to Colombia for more than 20 years and was flattered by all the advances as well as the attention and kindness I received during my stay. I want to send greetings to the organizers of the event as well as the colleagues of the magazine VENTAS DE SEGURIDAD. Thank you for all your support! Also a very special greeting to my distinguished colleague, Engineer Felipe A. Moreno-Forero and all his students at the Military University of New Granada in Colombia.

In this column we will talk about the threat of kidnapping as a method of extortion to obtain money in the form of a ransom payment. Kidnapping remains one of the biggest threats in many latin American countries, as from the point of view of organized crime it presents a great opportunity for low-risk high-return. Evidence of this is the fact that more than 15,000 kidnappings occur annually around the world and half of these occur in Latin America. Below we will examine some general statistics of this type of crime.

General statistics
According to experts in the field, kidnappings are more conducive in countries where law enforcement agencies are perceived as ineffective or weak in the face of this threat. Most of those abducted are released unharmed by the payment of the ransom or by the intervention of law enforcement agencies. Approximately 10% of abductees die in captivity. The period of captivity varies greatly. 75% of kidnappings last an average of 50 days while only a small number of kidnappings last more than 100 days.

Most of those abducted are children of wealthy families. Other kidnapping cards include domestic or international business executives; members of the government, members of the press, ranchers and celebrities. Depending on the country, most kidnappings are carried out by organized criminal gangs, drug cartels, guerrillas or common criminals. The basic purpose of kidnapping is extortion to obtain large sums of money quickly and with the least possible risk.

Phases of a kidnapping
Like any other premeditated criminal act, kidnappings are planned to obtain the best results and to minimize the risks associated with the act. No matter how simple or complex it is, the operation of a kidnapping consists of four main phases:

1. Card selection:
The perception of wealth or the ability to pay a ransom from a family or company is one of the most important factors in card selection. Lack of security is the other factor for selection.

2. Card surveillance:
Once the card is selected, a surveillance of it begins to learn the daily routines and get more information about the card. The place of residence, school or place of work, security measures, as well as the routes and methods of transportation are identified. What it seeks to identify is the date, time and place where the kidnapping can be carried out with the minimum use of force and that is safe for the kidnappers.

3. Kidnapping:
Kidnapping is carried out on the date, time and place that presents the highest probability of success and the least risk to the kidnappers. As a general rule, the most propitious time for a kidnapping is during the morning hours and on the way to school or business since people routinely always have a departure time and use the same route.

4. Negotiation:
This phase begins with the communication of the kidnappers, who report on the captivity of the card and impose their demands for the payment of ransom. As part of the negotiation, proof of life and condition of the card is required, preparations are made to get the ransom money, the method of transferring the money to the kidnappers and the release and recovery of the kidnapped person.

Negotiations are conducted by family members, the company, an insurance company, or a law enforcement agency. Usually, kidnappers want to only negotiate with family members because they understand that they exercise better control over them than with other people or entities.

Personal protection measures
Although it can be extremely difficult to try to avoid a kidnapping that is carried out by professional criminals, there are some measures that can be taken to minimize the risk. The basic strategy is not to give the opportunity to the hijackers in terms of gathering information and identifying the card and its routines. Below I share with you some of these measures.

1. Always stay alert:
Always perceive everything around you. Notice anything out of the ordinary, look for indicators of vigilance. The first indicator of a possible kidnapping attempt is when a card is put under surveillance. If surveillance is discovered then we have the first or only indicator of a possible kidnapping. Therefore, if you notice anything suspicious, quickly move away from the area. Don't trust anyone you don't know. Always be mentally prepared for a possible attack. Know safe places where you can take shelter (police stations, banks, buildings with security, etc.).

2. Keep a low profile:
Always try to go unnoticed. Never identify yourself or attract attention unnecessarily. Never give information about yourself or your family. Do not hold money, credit cards, or jewelry. Always try to blend in with your surroundings.

3. Staying unpredictable:
Always vary your itineraries, vehicle routes, hours of entry and exit from work. Avoid routines and don't set patterns. Always assume you are under surveillance. It is not to live paranoidly, but to live with a healthy suspicion.

4. If you are a victim of a kidnapping:
Don't try to resist or escape. Passively cooperate with the kidnappers. Do not voluntarily disclose information. Do not become hostile or antagonistic to the kidnappers. Be observant and patient. Get involved in mental and physical exercises. Kidnapped people should never negotiate their own ransom.

Conclusion
We conclude that although kidnapping is a deplorable criminal act, it continues to be one of the preferred criminal acts due to its economic potential. Therefore, kidnapping will continue to increase unless individuals reduce their risks to them and countries develop effective capacities to deal with and counter this threat. I invite you to continue to share your ideas and concerns from the world and security management. A hug and see you next time!!

If you want you can write to the author of this article at email: [email protected]