According to red24, express kidnappings increased by more than 60% in 2012 in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, compared to 2011.
This and other data is contained in the company’s latest published report, Threat Forecast 2013.
A total of 349 express kidnappings were reported in another Ecuadoran city, Guayaqui, between January and August 2012, the red24 data shows, while an increase in incidents was also reported in Guatemala, Honduras, Venezuela and Brazil during the year.
In announcing the publication of its latest Threat Forecast, red24 noted that express kidnappings usually last for a few hours," but can extend over a period of several days", and can be "more opportunistic in nature", as they can require less planning than traditional kidnap for ransom and extortion (KRE) cases.
"Express kidnappers, who are usually local or organised criminal groups, tend to target both locals and resident foreign nationals, as well as tourists," according to red24.
"The increase in express kidnapping is predominantly attributed to economic uncertainty and financial desperation".
Other findings in the red24 report:
- South America experienced a "high number" of KRE incidents in 2012 and this is expected to continue in 2013; Mexico was also a particular hotspot, with an estimated 3,000 incidents in the first three quarters of 2012
- The main perpetrators of this type of kidnapping across South America are organised crime groups
- Victims of these types of crimes "tend to be locals from an increasingly diverse range of economic backgrounds", though tourists can be affected
Jack Cloonan, Head of Special Risks at red24, said tourists were advised to be extra vigilant when traveling to areas, like South America, where KRE and express kidnappings are known to take place.
Among other precautions, he suggested "only using ATMs in secure public places".
To download the full Threat Forecast 2013 report, click here.
