... when you travel your chances of being taken are heightened.
Diving further into our Series on Abduction (6 Parts), we’ve discussed the importance of planning ahead to prevent a kidnapping, and now we take our series a bit further.
o matter if you’re heading to the Olympics in Rio or your honeymoon in Riviera Maya the reality is when you travel your chances of being taken are heightened. Abductions and kidnappings happen more commonly to travelers. Certain parts of South and Central America are notorious for kidnapping Westerners for ransom. In the past 20 years over $26 billion has been paid for ransoms from the United States alone. Before traveling, it’s imperative to understand the threats of where you are going. A great source of knowledge is the United States State Department website. Important elements to consider include local terrorist activity, how the host nation feels about Westerners, what types of crime are most common, and how these criminal elements traditionally conduct their operations.
o matter if you’re heading to the Olympics in Rio or your honeymoon in Riviera Maya the reality is when you travel your chances of being taken are heightened. Abductions and kidnappings happen more commonly to travelers. Certain parts of South and Central America are notorious for kidnapping Westerners for ransom. In the past 20 years over $26 billion has been paid for ransoms from the United States alone. Before traveling, it’s imperative to understand the threats of where you are going. A great source of knowledge is the United States State Department website. Important elements to consider include local terrorist activity, how the host nation feels about Westerners, what types of crime are most common, and how these criminal elements traditionally conduct their operations.
Don't Look Like a Tourist
The trick is not to stand out when you travel and present a neutral and non-threatening appearance. Blend into the local population. Blending in will help prevent petty crime and make you a less likely target for being taken as a hostage. I was working in Europe, and I noticed a man standing outside of his restaurant urging patrons to come in and eat. The first couple walked by, and he was talking to them in French. The second couple walked by, and he spoke to them in French. Then I walked by, and in perfect English, he said today’s lunch specials. I stopped, looked at the man, and asked how he knew I spoke English? He laughed and told me only an American would wear tennis shoes out and about vs. just in the gym. Most Europeans were wearing loafers or dress shoes, and I failed to blend in.
Be unpredictable by varying your routes, routines and departure/arrival times. Be alert to possible surveillance making note of any individual who appears out of place along your routes to regularly scheduled activities. Be alert to your surroundings: Situational awareness is critical. For more information on situational awareness see the first installment in this abduction series.
Be unpredictable by varying your routes, routines and departure/arrival times. Be alert to possible surveillance making note of any individual who appears out of place along your routes to regularly scheduled activities. Be alert to your surroundings: Situational awareness is critical. For more information on situational awareness see the first installment in this abduction series.
The Human Trafficking Travel Trap
Human trafficking is a type of abduction that operates differently than an impulsive kidnapping. Snatching young travelers off of the street is risky and dangerous. It’s easier to identify their victims and develop an internet based relationship luring prey into traveling to them. Young and middle-aged men and women are the targets, usually suffering from poverty, loneliness, security or sexual assault. According to the International Human Trafficking Institute, 46% of victims of human trafficking knew their traffickers in advance. This predatory process takes patience until the victim feels a level of trust usually being promised something in return.
If you are having a hard time understanding how people could fall victim to human trafficking, look at the modern phenomenon of catfishing. Internet predators taking fabricated online identities to trick others into emotional or romantic relationships. The 2010 documentary “Catfish” opened our eyes to how prevalent this type of deception can be. It became even more relevant in the sports world after Notre Dame’s all-star linebacker Manti Te’o believed his online “girlfriend” had died. It was revealed later she never actually existed, and Te’o was the victim of a hoax.
If you are having a hard time understanding how people could fall victim to human trafficking, look at the modern phenomenon of catfishing. Internet predators taking fabricated online identities to trick others into emotional or romantic relationships. The 2010 documentary “Catfish” opened our eyes to how prevalent this type of deception can be. It became even more relevant in the sports world after Notre Dame’s all-star linebacker Manti Te’o believed his online “girlfriend” had died. It was revealed later she never actually existed, and Te’o was the victim of a hoax.
Express Kidnappings
When traveling, your greatest kidnapping threat will be express kidnappings. The term "express kidnapping" is applied to the abduction of random victims held for brief periods where only small ransom amounts are demanded. Express kidnappings are based on the 24-hour withdrawal limit placed on ATM cards industry-wide.
Express kidnappings usually occur as ATM holdups or while in taxis by petty criminals. Victims are held for 24-48 hours to maximize withdrawal amounts and may be settled for a few hundred or thousand dollars.
Express kidnappings usually occur as ATM holdups or while in taxis by petty criminals. Victims are held for 24-48 hours to maximize withdrawal amounts and may be settled for a few hundred or thousand dollars.
Virtual Kidnapping
According to the United States State Department, there appears to be an uptick in “virtual kidnappings.” These extortion telephone calls vary in style; however, the methodology is often the same. Callers say that they have kidnapped a loved one and often include a crying/pleading voice immediately after the call is answered and before the “kidnapper” gets on the phone. In this manner, they hope to confuse the victim and get them to give away valuable information. For example, if the crying voice sounds like the target’s child and the target calls out that child’s name, the caller then knows the name of the child, who could be a kidnap victim, and they will use this knowledge against the target.
Criminals will try to use fear and timing against victims. For example, they plan their calls to coincide with times when it will be difficult to contact the victim immediately (e.g. when children are on their way to/from school). Or, the callers will obtain two cell phones of two family members. They will call both victims at the same time and claim to have kidnapped the other relative. They will use fear and the threat of violence to keep both victims on the line while they urge them to pay a ransom. Once the kidnappers are satisfied they have obtained as much money as they can, they end the call, leaving both family members poorer and confused. They may demand that the ransom is delivered in person, which may then turn into a real kidnapping, or that the money is sent electronically. Other variations of this scam use callers who claim to be lawyers or police looking to help get one of the target’s family members out a bad situation. They pressure the victim to pay them to waive charges or to bribe alleged corrupt officials to free their loved one and avoid a long and expensive judicial process.
Criminals will try to use fear and timing against victims. For example, they plan their calls to coincide with times when it will be difficult to contact the victim immediately (e.g. when children are on their way to/from school). Or, the callers will obtain two cell phones of two family members. They will call both victims at the same time and claim to have kidnapped the other relative. They will use fear and the threat of violence to keep both victims on the line while they urge them to pay a ransom. Once the kidnappers are satisfied they have obtained as much money as they can, they end the call, leaving both family members poorer and confused. They may demand that the ransom is delivered in person, which may then turn into a real kidnapping, or that the money is sent electronically. Other variations of this scam use callers who claim to be lawyers or police looking to help get one of the target’s family members out a bad situation. They pressure the victim to pay them to waive charges or to bribe alleged corrupt officials to free their loved one and avoid a long and expensive judicial process.
Countries You Need To Worry About
Mexico
Mexico is home to many beautiful resorts, diverse landscapes, and archeological sites. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the top countries for abductions in the world. The majority of which happen to western tourists in the form of express kidnappings.
The number of reported express kidnappings in Mexico is low when looking at statistics, but don’t be fooled! The majority of them don’t get reported to authorities. Be wary of abductions at ATMs or “libre” (fake) taxis. In Libre taxis, the driver signals to his armed buddies (two or three) a few minutes into the trip which either leaves you robbed or taken.
Who. Petty criminals and possibly cartels if you are a higher level target, especially if you work in the criminal justice system.
Where: Abductions are prevalent throughout Mexico, but be extremely cautious in Juarez, Tijuana, and Tampico.
The number of reported express kidnappings in Mexico is low when looking at statistics, but don’t be fooled! The majority of them don’t get reported to authorities. Be wary of abductions at ATMs or “libre” (fake) taxis. In Libre taxis, the driver signals to his armed buddies (two or three) a few minutes into the trip which either leaves you robbed or taken.
Who. Petty criminals and possibly cartels if you are a higher level target, especially if you work in the criminal justice system.
Where: Abductions are prevalent throughout Mexico, but be extremely cautious in Juarez, Tijuana, and Tampico.
Brazil
If you’re one of the hundreds of thousands of tourist planning to travel to Brazil for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in August, there are some things you need to know. Brazil is entangled in one of the most problematic political crises since its transition to democracy. It’s facing a severe recession and a magnitude of major setbacks with the construction of Olympic sites. The Zika health crises alone has lead to several athletes dropping out to include American cyclist Tejay van Garderen, Australian Golfer Marc Leishman, and South African Golfer Charl Schwartzel. All these factors make for a cocktail of crime and kidnappings and a possible health epidemic.
Who. Kidnappings in Brazil are motivated by money; it’s as simple as that. If you wear expensive jewelry, watches, clothing and don’t speak Portuguese, you and your family are much more likely a target.
Where. Major cities are the greatest threat, like Rio de Janiero and Sao Paolo.
Who. Kidnappings in Brazil are motivated by money; it’s as simple as that. If you wear expensive jewelry, watches, clothing and don’t speak Portuguese, you and your family are much more likely a target.
Where. Major cities are the greatest threat, like Rio de Janiero and Sao Paolo.
Let's Recap on Countermeasures
Don't Look Like a TouristDon't Carry Cash & BlingGuard Your Personal Information | Use strong personal security practices, and understand that crime can occur in any place and at any time. Maintain a low profile: Do not advertise the fact that you are a tourist. Dress down for comfort and leave your Rolex watch in the closet. Stick to resort, hotel and Olympic sanctioned areas. During the Olympics security will be extremely overwhelmed, but should be in abundance. To defend from express kidnappings, only get cash at hotels or inside official bank branches. Only carry the amount of cash you need for the day and stay away from public ATMs. Never volunteer information about you or your family no matter how benign it may seem. Be wary of unofficial taxis. If you call for a taxi from your hotel, get the drivers name and verify when picked up it is the correct driver. If you are abducted or victim of an express kidnapping prepare for a 24 to 48-hour ordeal to maximize withdrawal amounts. To reduce the likelihood of receiving a virtual kidnapping call, answer the phone with “hello” and make the other person ask for you by name. Know the details of your family’s travel and location (where they are supposed to be, who they are expected to be with, etc.) and contact information (land-line and cell phone numbers). Never provide personal information to someone who calls or approaches you, and do not post personal information on social networking sites. |
Take it from me a veteran world traveler. If you stick to the advice in this article you're in good shape.