Global Kidnap for Ransom Update – April 2015

Global Kidnap for Ransom Update – April 2015
Feature Article – New
overseas Chinese
ventures create risks
Saudi-led coalition targets
Houthis in Yemen
Feature Article…
Kidnapping risk to Chinese
nationals overseas
Latest Kidnap for Ransom
Analysis
Despite a Saudi-led coalition targeting Houthi forces in
Yemen and the evacuation of most foreign citizens,
kidnapping activity has continued in Yemen…
See below for Kidnap for Ransom News
Security and kidnap risks are often overlooked as Chinese
companies increase their global exposure. This article looks
at the risk of kidnap for Chinese expatriate staff and business
travellers…
See below for the Feature Article
A rise in K&R in Asia places it top of the global stats while
there has been a significant increase in reported cases in all
regions. NYA global K&R statistics, including top K&R regions
and countries …
See below for Kidnap for Ransom Analysis
NYA Training Workshops
NYA’s one-day incident management workshops will be
taking place in 2015 in the US, UK and Denmark…
See below for more information
Company Information
NYA International is a specialist crisis prevention and
response consultancy with 25 years experience of helping
organisations mitigate their exposure and respond to
incidents…
See below for more information
For bespoke security risk analysis and reports please contact [email protected]
Kidnap for Ransom Overview
Data from NYA
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Islamic State in Libya executes 28 Ethiopian Christians
Romanian security manager taken from a mine in Burkina Faso
Politically motivated abductions spike in Nigeria
Improved security brings sharp fall in Colombia kidnapping
Rising numbers of sectarian kidnappings in Afghanistan
US and Italian hostages killed by US drone strikes in Pakistan
Rising numbers of express kidnappings recorded in India
Lack of targets and access reduces reported numbers of kidnappings in Syria
More than 20 journalists still missing in Iraq
Saudi-led coalition airstrikes fail to stop kidnappings in Yemen
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Top six kidnap countries January – December 2014
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Nigeria
India
Pakistan
Mexico
Libya
Philippines
The above are based on kidnap for ransom incidents recorded in open source news reports and
captured up to the end of December 2014 (see page 21). This report is based on open source
information and aims to highlight current news, trends and analysis of kidnap for ransom incidents
globally over the reporting period.
Note: The information contained in this report is based on open source material, including news
articles and should be regarded as offering a snapshot of global kidnap incidents. Given the
selectivity and incomplete or inaccurate nature of some news articles, the information contained in
this report is not exhaustive or 100% accurate. As such any conclusions made from this report should
take these limitations into account.
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Kidnap for Ransom News
Africa
Hotspots
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North Africa [Morocco/Tunisia/Algeria/Libya]
Sahel region [Mali/Burkina Faso/Sudan/South Sudan]
Sub Saharan Africa [Nigeria]
North Africa
In Morocco a series of counter-terrorism operations have targeted pro-Islamic State (IS) cells and
supporters across the country. A militant cell loyal to IS was dismantled on 13 April according to
Moroccan authorities. The group was based in the northern city of Nador and was planning to kidnap
and assassinate officials. This follows a similar operation on 25 March targeting a militant cell
planning to kidnap military and civilian leaders. Based in the southern city of Agadir, the group
spanned several cities and was arrested in possession of handguns, ammunition, handcuffs and
communications equipment. Groups sympathetic to IS pose a growing threat in Morocco, though
largely confined to isolated incidents targeting security force personnel.
On 18 March gunmen stormed the Bardo Museum in Tunisia, killing 22. Tunisian authorities later
claimed to have killed the leader of the group responsible, Lokman Abu Sakhra, along with eight other
suspected militants in the western region of Gafsa. The attack highlights the growing presence of
Islamist militants in Tunisia, a threat likely to increase in the medium term as Tunisian nationals return
from Syria having acquired military experience while fighting with IS. Tunisians represent the largest
national group of combatants fighting for IS.
In Algeria counter-terrorism operations have continued primarily in the Kabylie region in the north of
the country. On 11 April security forces in Tizi Ouzou killed Abderrahmane Benali, who was
responsible for facilitating several kidnappings to finance Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). In
March 100 Turkish construction workers were temporarily evacuated from an infrastructure project
east of Algiers following a specific threat from militants affiliated with IS. Although security forces have
significantly degraded the IS-aligned Jund al-Khalifa, the group retains a presence in the country.
In April 28 Ethiopian Christians kidnapped in Libya were executed by IS militants. A video released by
the group showed two groups of captives; 16 were shot and killed in a desert area and 12 were
shown being beheaded on a beach.
The continued fighting in Libya has prolonged the favourable environment for kidnap activity; on 06
March nine foreign oil workers were kidnapped following an attack on the al-Ghani oilfield, 700km
southeast of Tripoli. The nine consisted of four Filipinos, two Bangladeshis, an Austrian, a Czech and
a Ghanaian national. IS militants are believed to be responsible for the attack, during which eight
Libyan nationals employed to guard the facility were beheaded. On 03 April three oil workers – two
Bangladeshis and a Ghanaian national – were released and flown to Malta, where the oil services
company employing the group is based.
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3
Kidnap for Ransom News
Africa continued…
Sahel Region
In Mali the continuing failure to establish a ceasefire with Tuareg rebels has hindered efforts to
improve Mali's deteriorating security situation. On April 10 rebels once again rejected the latest
government proposed peace treaty, with Tuareg leadership yet to settle on a peace plan which
provides them with sufficient autonomy.
On 03 April police arrested two women, a security guard and a man with Burkina Faso nationality
following an explosion in a house in Bamako. During police interrogation one of the men admitted the
cell was part of an Islamist group which intended to set off a bomb in the capital. On 12 April a
roadside bomb targeting a military truck was detonated in Segou, killing two soldiers and injuring
three others.
On 06 April French commandos operating with French Op BARKANE soldiers conducted a predawn
raid on a suspected AQIM camp in north-eastern Mali, resulting in the unexpected rescue of long-held
Dutch national Sjaak Rijke. Rijke had been held hostage for 1,228 days, having been captured in
Timbuktu during November 2011 along with Johan Gustafon (Swedish, still held) and Stephen
Malcolm (South African, still held).
The kidnapping of a Romanian security manager during an armed attack from the Tambao Project
(Pan African Minerals) in Burkina Faso on 04 April highlights both the high-risk nature of the area, a
known militant operational territory and the deliberate targeting of western nationals in the Sahel. The
attack took place near the border with Mali; the five militants who committed the abduction reportedly
headed towards the lawless northern Malian town of Gao with their Romanian captive. US, UN and
French forces have since been assisting in the search for the Romanian mine worker. The attackers
are suspected to be Malian Tuareg militants.
On 10 March three Malian nationals were abducted from their vehicle by Movement for Oneness and
Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) militants near the Niger border. The three men were accused of being
spies and providing information to the Malian army and foreign forces in Mali. The abduction and
targeting of civilians in northern Mali has become commonplace, with civilians associated with
international organisations (e.g. UN) often targeted.
In Sudan the lack of security force presence coupled with widespread lawlessness in North Darfur
has enabled large-scale attacks on civilians and NGO personnel, in addition to abductions by the
Janjaweed militias. According to Tawila refugee camp coordinator Omda Mukhtar Bush, on 21 March
around 300 Janjaweed raided Tawila camp, beating residents and gunning down at least one man.
The attackers kidnapped two butchers, stole cash amounting to USD3,350, other possessions and a
vehicle.
In South Sudan an abundance of available arms has allowed inter-clan and government troop
tensions and rivalry to spiral into wide-spread violence, with aid workers often in the crossfire. On 01
April, three World Food Programme (WFP) staff workers are feared to have been abducted having
been caught up in conflict between rival troop factions. The three missing WFP staff were en route
from Malakal to Melut delivering relief supplies. WFP has since suspended operations in Akoka and
Fashoda counties.
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4
Kidnap for Ransom News
Africa continued…
Sub-Saharan Africa
Another kidnapping in Maputo underlines the high risk to foreign and domestic nationals in the
Mozambican cities. On 20 March Mozambican-Portuguese Mariamo Mussa, the daughter of a well
known footwear retailer in central Maputo was kidnapped by a gang after they staged a traffic
accident, ramming the back of Mussa’s vehicle. Her driver was shot and injured. The incident follows
an established pattern of businesspeople or their families being kidnapped from vehicles in daylight in
central Maputo, often with the use of serious violence. Portugal’s General Consul expressed
disappointment at police responses to kidnappings after Mussa’s abduction, pointing out that
ringleaders are rarely prosecuted, and repeated instances of police involvement in kidnapping were
discouraging for the local and expatriate communities. The president of Mozambique’s Bar
Association also called for police reform in response to kidnappings and suspected political
assassinations.
In South Africa, a bogus taxi driver kidnapped five Zimbabwean immigrants on 20 March. The
victims were beaten and ZAR2,500 (USD205) was demanded from relatives. When one relative
reported the licence plates and perpetrators phone number, police apparently refused to act. The
outbreak of anti-immigrant rioting in Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal during April is likely to
increase the risk of kidnap for both foreign and domestic nationals as kidnappers target those
perceived as foreign.
The risks in Somalia were also reconfirmed on 13 April with the kidnapping in Borame of three
officials from the secessionist northwest Somaliland region. The kidnappings of a pro-democracy
activist and traditional leader in Zimbabwe and Uganda respectively have also been reported. Political
abductions still occur frequently in the region, often resulting in the fatality of the victim.
Nigeria
Kidnapping activity in Nigeria throughout March and April 2015 was noteworthy for a spike in
politically-motivated abductions associated with nationwide elections on 28 March and 11 April.
Political motives had a large impact on target choice, with elected individuals, candidates and party
leaders among those abducted.
A series of kidnappings south and southeast of the capital Abuja targeted foreign nationals working
for construction companies. On 09 March a Syrian national was kidnapped whilst working for RIM
Construction in Nasaraw State, with a NGN40 million (USD200,000) ransom subsequently
demanded. On 13 March 12 unidentified gunmen stormed a construction site in Lokoja, Kogi State,
killing a police officer before abducting three Chinese nationals. The incident occurred a week after
two other Chinese nationals were kidnapped in the state.
Mass abductions carried out by Boko Haram continue to generate the vast majority of victims in
Nigeria. The group repeatedly attacked towns and villages, destroying buildings, killing some
inhabitants and abducting others. A renewed offensive, involving armed forces of neighbouring
countries and thought to be heavily supported by foreign private military contractors, was launched in
March with significantly greater determination and capability than previous instances.
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Kidnap for Ransom News
Africa continued…
It has had some successes against the militants: towns and cities have been retaken, and many Boko
Haram fighters have been killed or captured. However, Boko Haram continue to launch devastating
attacks and carry out mass abductions. The Nigerian government is far from providing a safe and free
environment in the north, either for natives or visitors, and kidnapping will remain a severe threat for
the long term.
It was widely reported in Nigerian media that on 23 April police in Lagos shot a member of a
kidnapping gang while he was collecting a ransom from the hostage's brother. The man was wounded
in the shootout after he realised that police were surveilling the exchange and attempted to flee, but
led the police to where the hostage was being held before dying of his wounds. The hostage, a 62year-old businesswoman kidnapped a week earlier, was rescued safely from an area of bush less
than 60km from Lagos. The ransom to be paid to the kidnappers was reported to be NGN3 million
(USD15,070), reduced from an initial demand of NGN50 million (USD251,160).
The detailed accounts of this incident reinforce the notion of kidnap gangs who target middle class
Nigerian nationals, demand a high ransom from their family, and accept a much lower sum to enable
a swift conclusion. They can then move on to the next target. The risk to gangs who operate in this
way is moderate, and their costs are low. Reports from victim and police accounts, following both
rescues and cases where a ransom was paid for the victims safe release, indicate that hostages are
frequently held in unpopulated areas of bush. This environment is in abundance close to kidnappers'
urban operating areas, and has allowed their escape from security forces on numerous occasions.
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6
Kidnap for Ransom News
Americas
Hotspots
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Mexico
Colombia
Venezuela
Mexico
On 28 February authorities in Michoacán detained Servando “La Tuta” Gomez, the fugitive leader of
the Knights Templar drug cartel and one of the country’s most wanted criminals. In addition to
trafficking methamphetamine through western Mexico into the US, the cartel routinely mixed
business with politics through kidnapping and other forms of intimidation – a common trend
throughout the country. Gomez’ arrest was part of the government’s “kingpin” strategy which targets
drug cartel leadership, however this often creates smaller criminal groups still capable of inflicting
similar crimes. This was evidenced on 10 March when members of Los Rojos – themselves a
remnant fractured from the Sinaloa Cartel – abducted and beheaded a woman preparing to run for
mayor in a local town in Guerrero.
In addition to political abductions, this reporting period has seen incidents that may be the result of
disputes between rival criminal groups. On 15 March unidentified gunmen abducted musician Rogelio
“El Chicken” Contreras as he performed for a crowd of approximately 400 people at a venue in
Monterrey. The venue, a bar named “La Eternidad”, has a history of violence and connections to drug
cartels.
On 09 April the head of Canadian mining company McEwan Mining admitted to having a “good
relationship” with a local drug cartel. Although in this case there is no confirmation the company had
been extorted or had “used” their relationship to procure business, the extortion of mining companies
is now commonplace in Mexico. Last month the Mexican Mining Chamber (an industry group)
confirmed the death of three abducted miners who had been working at Los Filos gold mine in
Guerrero. The mine is operated by Canadian company GoldCorps, and it is possible the three miners
were abducted to pressure the company into paying an extortion demand (or ransom following their
abduction).
The National Executive Secretariat of the Public Security System (SESNSP) have announced that,
from March, official kidnapping statistics will include investigations handled by the Attorney General
(PGR). The general number of reported incidents is therefore expected to increase. However it is
likely the new figures will be of greater accuracy considering official statistics are often disputed by
NGOs. SESNSP statistics state 340 kidnappings were reported by the end of March this year, this is
down from the 490 reported over the same period in 2014, but is expected to increase as figures are
routinely revised upward at a later date.
Colombia
The security situation in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years and the country has
seen a sharp drop in its kidnapping rate since the 1990s.
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Kidnap for Ransom News
Americas continued…
This reduction is the consequence of less abductions by rebel groups following the launch of the
peace processes and improved police and judicial competences to deal with the crime. Over the past
two months, a handful of kidnappers have been apprehended by the security forces or have been
tried for their crimes, including two Colombians who were sentenced to 36 and 29 years respectively
for their roles in the kidnapping and murder of US Agent James Watson in 2013.
Kidnappings attributed to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have not been cited in
open-sources over the past two months, whilst the National Liberation Army (ELN) have started to
make some concessions amid their preliminary peace talks with the government. As such, in March
2015 the ELN released the mayor of Alto Baudo kidnapped in December 2014 and four Colombian
geologists kidnapped in February 2015.
The ELN’s relevance to peace in Colombia has always been marginal for the government,
considering the group’s lower capabilities, limited popularity and smaller size. However, overlooking
the ELN would not completely resolve the country’s internal conflict. If no resolution is found with
them the group could also provide an alternative destination for cadres from the FARC who fail to
demobilise. Previously in Colombia there has been a tendency to recycle former rebels among similar
groups, which could impact upon the falling kidnapping trend of the country. Given the uncertainties
around the peace process, the threat of kidnapping remains unpredictable and the risk is considered
medium to high. If a permanent peace agreement were signed with the FARC and the ELN,
kidnappings would only be caused by criminal groups, leading to a shift in the country’s kidnap risk.
Venezuela
Kidnap for ransom has long been an issue in Venezuela and the rate has worsened over recent
years. With 44% of the opposition’s present reports written on topics related to the issue of insecurity,
kidnappings have gained much infamy, particularly since allegations of child kidnapping have spread
through Venezuelan social media since February 2015. These renewed security and kidnapping
concerns prompted numerous protests across urban areas in March and April 2015.
President Maduro has expressed his concerns regarding the allegations and accused opposition
members of spreading rumours to create a ‘psychological war’ as part of their ‘coup’ attempt. On 26
March Venezuela’s attorney general announced the introduction of a new bill to regulate social media
amid the 'uncorroborated' reports of child kidnappings. This new regulation is likely to further limit the
country's already frail press freedoms.
On 16 March 2015 the National Post newspaper published an interview with a Venezuelan kidnapper
identified as Jorge Gonzalez. In the interview Gonzalez stated he and his group tend to target the
middle classes rather than the rich because the latter often have heavily armed guards and an attack
against them leads to higher police scrutiny. Additionally, Gonzalez claimed rich individuals and
foreign nationals seldom have Venezuelan bank accounts that can quickly be emptied, complicating
the logistics of such kidnappings. Before kidnapping an individual, his group would follow the intended
victim’s movements closely for about a month; not only to figure out the best time and place to grab
them, but also their victim’s worth.
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8
Kidnap for Ransom News
Americas continued…
He also claimed to have many contacts within the police who would often provide tips about a
potential victim or case developments – highlighting the high levels of corruption present in the
country. He also admitted that some previous victims had been murdered as a result of a ransom
payment gone wrong.
Other areas
On 26 February two armed men abducted, assaulted and robbed a 57-year-old male in Georgetown,
United States, stealing USD300 in exchange for his release. This is one of a handful of short
duration – or “express” – kidnappings in the US during this period. On 19 March a 74-year-old woman
was abducted from her home by an armed man who attempted to make several withdrawals from an
ATM using her debit card. The victim was eventually able to escape and call police. On 10 March a
caller claimed to have kidnapped the daughter of a woman in Lindenwold, demanding USD1,000 for
her release. The victim notified police who were able to locate the daughter at a friend’s house and
later traced the “virtual” kidnapping to an address in Puerto Rico.
The risk of express kidnapping has been on the increase in Ecuador. According to the Observatorio
Metropolitano de Seguridad Ciudadana the threat has risen by 60% over the past four years. While
many cases are attributed to bogus taxi drivers, armed groups also participated in the crime. On 27
March 2015 around 1500 hours, four people suffered an express kidnapping by a group of criminals
near La Tranca. The victims were intercepted by a group of heavily armed criminals in two separate
vehicles and then held in the cars until the ransom demand of USD60,000 was paid.
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9
Kidnap for Ransom News
Asia
Hotspots
• 
Afghanistan/Pakistan/India/Philippines/Malaysia
Afghanistan
Security forces in Afghanistan are now engaged in the traditional spring 'fighting season' that the
Taliban announced would start on 24 April. This is normally when the tempo of violence increases as
insurgent commanders return to Afghanistan after the winter in Pakistan. The period comes amid
reports that the actual numbers of Afghan security forces fell by nearly 20% during 2014 due to
desertions, combat deaths and discharges. Furthermore, President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive
Abdullah Abdullah have yet to agree on the appointment of the key Defence Minister post, despite the
government being in place for six months. This period also coincides with the harvesting of the poppy
crop that provides significant funds for insurgent forces. The size of poppy crop has increased
significantly since the NATO forces withdrawal.
In the light of this, kidnap activity has continued apace but has shifted focus slightly with a rise in what
appears to be sectarian kidnapping. In two separate incidents, 14 ethnic Shia Hazaras were
kidnapped in Farah and Ghazni provinces during March. As a minority Shia Muslim tribe, the Hazaras
have been a traditional target for other Afghan Sunni tribes. Even so, there has been a rise in the
number of reported attacks against Hazaras in recent months. This may be part of a specific effort by
the Taliban to resist the increasing influence of IS by demonstrating their Sunni credentials, or a
coincidence. However a Hazara elder Abdul Khaliq Yaqubi announced the Taliban had agreed to
protect them from IS indicating a potential concern by the Taliban over the increasing IS influence.
Given the differences in religious background this seems unlikely but it may be a localised
arrangement since Taliban commanders have significant autonomy within their own areas.
Civilians and NGOs have remained the principal targets for kidnap activity with five Save the Children
workers kidnapped and subsequently killed in Tarin Kot on 10 April. The risk of kidnapping therefore
remains severe, especially for those associated with the government or security forces, NGOs or
western aid groups. Indeed on 22 April the US advised they had specific information of potential
attacks on vehicles transporting western officials in the Kabul area.
Pakistan
Two Czech nationals kidnapped in Balochistan in March 2013 were released on 28 March according
to Czech government authorities. The victims had been kidnapped while travelling on a bus from Iran
to Quetta. Reports suggest the perpetrators of the kidnap were members of an Al-Qaeda linked group
that had overpowered the victims’ bodyguard after they crossed the border into Pakistan. News
reports claim the Turkish NGO Humanitarian Relief Foundation secured the hostages’ release,
although Czech news sources reported Qatari assistance during negotiations. Czech authorities claim
a ransom payment was not made.
During the victims’ two-year captivity, the kidnappers made no contact to demand a ransom for their
release. Details about the kidnap and the hostages’ ordeal remain unclear however some have
speculated about Al-Qaeda involvement.
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Kidnap for Ransom News
Asia continued…
In June 2013 a video featuring the two women showed them demanding the release of a Pakistani
doctor known for Al-Qaeda links who has been imprisoned in the US. Although supporting the
suggestion of Al-Qaeda involvement in the kidnap, the victims could also have been acquired from
Taliban militants or criminal gangs.
It was also announced on 23 April that US contractor Warren Weinstein who was kidnapped in Lahore
in August 2011 and was believed being held by Al-Qaeda, had been killed by a US drone strike in
January 2015. The US went on to say that an Italian national, Giovanni Lo Porto who had been
kidnapped in Multan, Punjab province in January 2012 had also been killed in the same strike.
Meanwhile, concerns for doctors being targeted in kidnap bids continue as medical personnel in
Peshawar and Karachi have become increasingly known to employ security measures such as
carrying AK-47s, having escorts when travelling and placing security guards at their homes. Doctors
are well known to be affluent and willing to pay ransoms, thereby encouraging Taliban militants and
criminal groups to target the profession.
In Balochistan particularly militant groups have continued to kidnap public workers with numerous
cases resulting in the death of non-Baloch victims. On the morning of 22 March gunmen on
motorcycles kidnapped four oil tanker drivers at gunpoint in the Kirdgap area of Mastung district. Five
oil tankers were en route to Karachi when the perpetrators opened fire on them, forcing the drivers to
stop. While no group has claimed responsibility for the incident, Baloch separatists are likely to be
behind the attack.
India
On 01 April Maoist rebels in India kidnapped five employees of a mining company near an iron ore
reserve in the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh, illustrating the continued security risk to developers in
the region. An unknown number of locals who were working as drivers and machine operators with
the miners were also abducted. One victim was reportedly released soon after the kidnapping and the
remaining hostages were released later that evening. The rebels took the workers after having failed
in their intent to capture any of the high-ranking officials working on the mining project. Maoists are
known to conduct kidnappings as well as target security personnel in their attacks as part of their
opposition to development including the construction of roads in eastern India’s rural areas.
Victims and the relatives of those perceived to be of high net-worth have also been kidnapped for
ransom. On 03 April kidnappers targeted a doctor who is also the son of a dentist near Allahabad for
a ransom of USD24,000. In Delhi, a businessman’s 11-year-old child was abducted on 21 March for a
ransom of USD48,000 but police managed to trace the kidnappers location to Karol Bagh where they
found and rescued the victim.
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Kidnap for Ransom News
Asia continued…
Express kidnappings have made headlines during the reporting period when on 04 March a taxi cab
operator was abducted in Gurgaon and released a day later after paying a USD14,452 ransom. While
the victim made online money transfers and his family sent money, the perpetrators also used his
ATM card to withdraw USD321 then subsequently released the victim.
On 28 March kidnappers armed with a knife abducted a man in Nagpur from his home, taking
USD802 from him and escaping to an isolated location. The perpetrators demanded more money
from his wife, who gave them USD224 and she was also forced to hand over her ATM card. The
kidnappers then withdrew USD802 from an ATM and afterwards the victim was released. Additionally
two men kidnapped a nun in Mangaluru and robbed her after forcing her into their vehicle. The victim
managed to jump out of the vehicle and escape.
Indian nationals remain the most targeted victims for all forms kidnap for ransom, with increasing
cases of express kidnappings being reported around the country.
Philippines
During the past two months, 19 reported cases of abduction indicate a continuing risk in the
Philippines. Domestic nationals have largely been the targets with financial gain as the motive.
On 06 April six gunmen from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) abducted Gemma Adana,
mayor of Naga town in the southern province of Zamboanga Sibugay from her residence. She had
previously been charged with corruption for violating the Government Procurement Reform Act (RA
9184). At the time of reporting, the perpetrators had not contacted the authorities with any demands
and the motives therefore remain unknown.
Malaysia
Wealthy businessmen in Malaysia remain targets for kidnap. On 07 April, 17 people linked with IS in
the capital city and Kehad were arrested. Following the arrest, the Head of Malaysian police Khalid
Abu Bakar announced the militants not only planned to attack Kuala Lumpur’s strategic locations, but
also intended to kidnap high-profile individuals and rob banks. The leader of the group was a member
of an inactive home grown militant organisation known as the Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia (KMM),
and he had spent three months in Syria in 2014. Recent passage of the Prevention of Terrorism Act at
the Parliament on 6 April enables the authorities to detain them indefinitely.
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Kidnap for Ransom News
Middle East
Hotspots
• 
Syria/Lebanon/Iraq/Yemen
Syria
During the reporting period, the rebel group Al-Nusra Front in Syria appeared to have taken over as
the main perpetrators of kidnap activity from IS with 10 Lebanese truck drivers held at a border
crossing with Jordan on 03 April after the rebel group seized the area from government forces. The
Al-Nusra Front also captured the crew of a government helicopter, which crashed in Idlib province on
22 March. Reports of IS activity have been limited, but on 31 March a group of up to 50 civilians were
reported as being abducted from their village of Mabujeh.
Notably absent in the reporting period has been any new publicity videos featuring John Cantlie or
other western hostages. This absence comes after hints that Cantlie’s most recent video appearance
would be his last. The significant reduction of media releases from IS in Syria and Iraq could also
indicate a very recent shift away from kidnap publicity, most likely a result of a significant reduction in
targets of opportunity. Although there may still be other hostages whose disappearance has not been
reported, given the nature of the IS publicity machine it seems unlikely.
Lebanon
Reports of kidnap for ransom activity in Lebanon have again been muted over the past months but
where there have been incidents, Arsal and the Bekka Valley have continued to feature as areas of
high risk. Activities of Syrian militant groups have continued with the case of Hussein Seifudin who
was kidnapped from Arsal on 06 April by IS. The kidnappers demanded USD150,000 and three
truckloads of supplies as ransom, however the locals were reported as determined not to pay for
Seifudin’s release and negotiations have since continued.
The area of Arsal has been central to incidents as it lies only 12 kilometres from the Syrian border
and has served as a conduit and jumping off point for those attempting to enter Syria as well as a
haven for refugees, wounded fighters and rebels escaping government forces. In an attempt to
improve security in the region the Lebanese military continued a major security operation to secure
the southern end of the Bekka Valley and implement a security plan similar to that put in place in
Beirut in 2014. It is possible that the fall in reported incidents might be due to the effect of this
operation, however unless the operation continues and troops remain in place for the foreseeable
future, militant activity will quickly recommence.
Iraq
Following a month-long offensive, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and allied militia units liberated Tikrit
from IS forces on 31 March. Though the military operation to re-capture the strategic city boosted
morale and marked a rare success in the fight against IS, the overall security situation in western and
northern Iraq remains poor. IS continues to carry out near daily mass kidnappings in areas under its
control.
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Kidnap for Ransom News
Middle East continued…
On 20 April IS militants kidnapped approximately 30 women in Mosul after they refused to marry
members of the terrorist group. Young women are frequently targeted by IS militants, with many of the
victims being sold as slaves.
IS abducted 120 children from schools in Mosul on 12 April, likely intending to train them as fighters.
Some sources however allege IS are likely to make ransom demands for children belonging to
affluent families. Similarly, IS militants continue to target journalists and other media workers, with the
majority of incidents concentrated in Mosul. A report published by the Committee to Protect
Journalists (CPJ) on 13 April revealed more than 20 Iraqi journalists are missing or held by IS as at
05 April. Many of the kidnapped journalists have been moved to Raqqa in Syria, while others have
been forced to engage in IS propaganda activities in Mosul.
On 26 April unidentified gunmen kidnapped an Iraqi national working for the UN in Baquba in Diyala
governorate. A spokesperson for the UN mission in Iraq said the the victim was seized near the
government headquarters in the city. According to media reports citing the victim’s brother, the family
has received a USD100,000 ransom demand.
On 20 April Iraq Aqhbar reported an unidentified gang kidnapped three Bangladeshi workers during
an attack on a Kuwaiti waste management company in Basra. The Kuwaiti company confirmed the
incident on the following day, describing the attack as an act of sabotage. The whereabouts of the
kidnapped workers remains unknown.
Kidnap for ransom incidents nationally are on the increase, according to local media reports. Al-Araby
Al-Jadeed reported on 04 March that armed militias carry out kidnappings targeting both Shias and
Sunnis for financial gain. An Iraqi official cited by the media claimed militias who stopped receiving
government funding are behind the most recent incidents as they seek to diversify their revenue
stream. In one case, an unidentified individual wearing a military uniform kidnapped a businessman in
Baghdad and made an initial ransom demand of USD200,000 before reducing this to USD120,000.
Yemen
Over the reporting period Yemen descended into civil war following months of deteriorating security
and political crises triggered by the advance of the Shia Houthi rebels across north and western
portions of the country. On 25 March Saudi Arabia, leading a 10-member coalition backed by the US,
launched Op DECISIVE STORM against Shia Houthi rebels, aiming to reinstate the legitimate
government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, who was forced to flee the country following the
Houthi advance on Aden. Though Saudi-led coalition air strikes have prevented the Houthi rebels
from seizing Aden – the last stronghold of forces loyal to President Hadi – the future of Yemen as a
unitary state remains uncertain.
Currently, Yemen presents a very complex threat environment with severe kidnap risk driven by the
state collapse and the presence of armed groups such as the Houthi rebels, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian
Peninsula (AQAP) and a nascent affiliate of IS known as Sana’a Province.
On 24 April Houthi fighters kidnapped journalist Jalal al-Sharabi however details of this incident
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Kidnap for Ransom News
Middle East continued…
remain unknown. In an uncorroborated incident on the previous day, suspected Houthi rebels
kidnapped a Yemeni humanitarian worker in Aden. On 04 April Houthi rebels kidnapped
approximately 140 members of the Muslim Brotherhood-allied Al-Islah party, which supports the
Saudi-led military action in Yemen.
In a highly publicised case, tribesmen freed a female French national and her female Yemeni
translator on 19 March after three weeks in captivity. It is unconfirmed whether a ransom has been
paid. Earlier in March an Iranian diplomat held hostage since July 2013 was freed. Iranian state
media claimed Iranian Special Forces rescued the victim, though this remains unconfirmed.
In a separate high-profile hostage release on 02 March, AQAP freed a Saudi diplomat held since
March 2012 following ‘intense efforts’ by Saudi intelligence services and tribal mediation. A source
cited by AFP suggested a ransom had been paid.
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15
Feature Article…Kidnapping risk to Chinese nationals
The kidnap risk facing Chinese nationals overseas…
In 2014, it is estimated that more than 100 million Chinese citizens travelled abroad, 20,000 Chinese
companies are operating overseas and five million citizens are working abroad. The upsurge of
kidnap and ransom (K&R) incidents involving Chinese citizens around the world has shown an
alarming trend; NYA recorded 47 Chinese nationals were abducted in 2014, an increase of 262% over
2013. In contrast, only 11 and 17 American nationals were kidnapped in 2014 and 2013 respectively.
In places like Nigeria, Sudan, South Sudan, Egypt, Libya, the Philippines and Malaysia, kidnappers
have specifically targeted Chinese expatriates and travellers.
This feature article aims to provide an explanation as to why Chinese nationals abroad are
particularly vulnerable to K&R risks.
Chinese investment and presence in volatile countries has expanded exponentially in recent years
through billions of dollars of investments in natural resource exploitation and infrastructure. As a result
Chinese nationals have become increasingly vulnerable to local conflicts and security threats, and it
is highly likely the threat will remain for the foreseeable future.
From previous incidents, workers and engineers in the fields of construction, energy and extraction,
and business personnel are the most heavily targeted professions. According to NYA’s database,
three incidents were recorded from February to April 2015, and the six Chinese victims involved were
construction workers in Nigeria.
Chinese embassies and companies in Africa have long been receiving threats and warning letters
from militants such as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), to leave their
countries. The most lethal attack occurred in Ogaden, Ethiopia in April 2007 when the separatist rebel
group the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) attacked the China Petroleum & Chemical
Corporation (Sinopec) petroleum exploration site, killing nine Chinese workers and kidnapping seven
others. During the massacre 65 Ethiopian workers and guards were also killed. In August 2014 after
sending warnings, suspected members of the Kurdistan Workers Party kidnapped three Chinese
engineers from a thermal power plant being constructed by China Machinery Engineering Corporation
in Silopi, close to the border with Iraq and Syria. In May 2014, Boko Haram kidnapped 10 Chinese
workers from Northern Cameroon, close to the town of Waza, approximately 12 miles from the
Nigerian border.
A growing appetite for investments in emerging markets
In light of the ever-growing domestic demand for natural resources to fuel economic growth, Chinese
state-owned enterprises in particular, have a strong appetite to go into remote markets traditionally
avoided by western companies. Chinese corporations will therefore venture into regions that often
have politically unstable countries but with rich natural resources, such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan,
Ethiopia, Uganda and Nigeria. One mentality shared among many Chinese businessmen is that the
bigger the risk, the greater the opportunity. An adventurous attitude also explains the approach to
security risks of their business operations in developing countries.
In the scramble to exploit natural resources around the world, security risk awareness in the early
stage of project planning is usually low.
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Feature Article…Kidnapping risk to Chinese nationals
Little attention is paid to local community research, risk assessment and contingency planning. In the
scramble to exploit natural resources around the world, security risk awareness in the early stages of
project planning is usually low. Little attention is paid to local community research, corporate social
responsibility (CSR), risk assessment and contingency planning. The idea of taking insurance against
Kidnap for Ransom risk is therefore a new concept to most Chinese companies.
Many Chinese companies operating in Africa and Latin America are state-owned enterprises, such as
Sinopec in Sudan and PetroChina, the largest investor in Iraqi oil. Their high-profile presence,
combined with their perceived wealth and status in host countries increases their workers' exposure
to K&R risk.
Deep rooted habits
Most Chinese victims are targeted on the basis of their families’ or companies’ perceived wealth.
Ostentatious displays of wealth amongst newly affluent Chinese and the traditional habit of carrying
large amount of cash also make them prime targets for muggers and kidnappers. Three common
characteristics could be found among victims:
Firstly, K&R cases involving Chinese nationals are usually unreported out of fear of reprisals or
becoming targets again.
Secondly, families of Chinese victims tend to pay ransoms without much negotiation (for fear of
antagonising the perpetrators) and without seeking external assistance or counselling. As a Chinese
saying goes, ‘if money could fix it, there is no problem under the sky.’ As a result, quickly paying
ransoms in the hope of better treatment and quick release is particularly common among Chinese
middle and upper classes, but such behaviour only sustains or even encourages extended or even
repeat hostage taking against overseas Chinese nationals. For example, on 02 April 2014, a Chinese
tourist was kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf from a holiday resort in Sabah in Malaysia and taken to the
Pilipino Sulu Archipelago along with a Filipino resort worker who witnessed the abduction. Knowing
that the family was willing to pay as demanded, the kidnappers held the victims for 58 days in order to
inflate the ransom. It was reported that the Chinese family finally paid USD6 million for their release.
In many kidnapping cases, if demands are quickly met with little negotiation, kidnappers are likely to
hold on to the victims and make further demands.
Thirdly, Chinese victims have generally taken a low profile approach when an incident has occurred
and the media attention they have received has been relatively low when compared with western
victims. For criminal groups, targeting Chinese nationals can keep their business operations from
overt media attention and the authorities, while ensuring profits from ransoms.
Overreliance on consular protection
With only 600 diplomatic staff responsible for consular protection service across 250 embassies,
consulates and representations around the world, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ role as
‘primary protector’ of Chinese nationals and investment overseas has proved to be very challenging.
On average, each person provides consular protection services to 130,000 Chinese nationals abroad
per year, while the ratio is only 1 to 5,000 for American embassy staff.
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17
Feature Article…Kidnapping risk to Chinese nationals
In particular, embassies in developing countries are understaffed and a heavy workload severely
undermines their crisis response capacity.
In addition, as the Chinese government adheres strictly to the longstanding principle of nonintervention, any deployment of troops overseas without the UN’s authorisation is unlikely. In other
words, embassies rely on local governments to provide protection or rescue operations. Hiring private
western security firms to protect overseas personnel and assets is still uncommon among Chinese
firms.
Unwelcome business operations
Some of the kidnapping incidents recorded were motivated by labour disputes and local resentment.
Chinese companies around the world have been increasingly accused of engaging in harsh treatment
of workers, low wages and poor standards of corporate governance.
To facilitate easy communication and human resources management, Chinese firms usually bring a
huge contingent of workers from China, which is seen by local communities as an exploitative
business practice and a cause of local unemployment. Closed systems of management, language
barriers, negligence of environmental degradation and safety of staff combined with the absence of
people-to-people diplomacy and a lack of respect for local culture have intensified host nation
disharmony. Western concepts of CSR to maintain a permissive commercial environment are not well
developed. In October 2012, a Zambian miner at Collum Coal Mine kidnapped and killed a Chinese
manger due to pay dispute. On 01 September 2014, the authorities in the Philippines intercepted a
vehicle carrying weapons and six to eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Three suspects were
arrested for plotting to attack the Chinese Embassy in Manila, the construction firm DMCI (owned by
Tsinoy David Consunji), the SM Mall of Asia (owned by Tsinoy Henry Sy, the richest man in the
Philippines) and other Chinese-funded buildings.
Top two hotspots
The Philippines is currently the highest kidnap risk country for Chinese nationals in Asia. Following
two high-profile kidnapping incidents in September 2014, the Chinese government issued a warning
against travelling to the country. The threat of kidnapping against Chinese nationals is persistent;
militants and criminal groups including Abu Sayyaf, Dela Cruz and Abogado Gado, have specifically
targeted Chinese and “Tsinoy” (Filipinos of Chinese descent) because of their perceived wealth.
Business owners and personnel are at the highest risk of kidnapping, however students, tourists,
spouses and dependents are also at risk. On 14 September the Philippine National Police (PNP)
released figures showing that from January to August 2014 out of 51 individuals kidnapped, 17 were
Chinese or Hong Kong citizens, which accounted for 33% of the total number taken. In Metro Manila,
Tsinoys made up seven out of ten kidnap victims despite being only 1.2% of the population, mainly
due to their perceived wealth and status as small and medium sized business owners.
Second to the Philippines is Nigeria where the risk to all foreign nationals visiting, working or living in
the country is very high to extreme. Security threats that could affect both local and foreign nationals
operating in the country include kidnap, militant attacks, violent and minor crime, as well as civil
unrest. The number of kidnappings has been consistently high in Nigeria since 2006. Chinese
nationals are at sustained risk throughout the country with kidnappings reported in Kogi state, Lagos
State and Rivers State since 2007.
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18
Feature Article…Kidnapping risk to Chinese nationals
The predominant industries affected are commerce, consultancy and construction with workers
involved in infrastructure projects such as telecommunications, water and energy extraction.
The majority of kidnappings have occurred in perceived safe areas and residences, often owned by
state industries or in affluent areas of major cities. Armed force has been used, with shots fired in
several incidents. Barely two weeks after a Chinese engineer working on a water plant in Nasarawa
State was kidnapped on 23 February 2015, five other Chinese nationals were kidnapped in two
separate incidents in Kogi State, Nigeria.
Conclusion
Open source information related to kidnapping of Chinese expatriates is limited and the Chinese
National Bureau of Statistics has not recently published an annual kidnap rate. The lack of reliable
statistics make an accurate assessment of kidnapping trends difficult.
However with an ever-growing appetite for natural resources and burgeoning investment in high-risk
areas, the kidnapping risk to Chinese nationals working in Africa is expected to remain high in the
short to medium term. Kidnapping threats vary across Southeast Asia but Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar,
Thailand and Vietnam are all at medium risk, with Chinese business personnel, tourists, students and
non-professional migrant workers targeted. Apart from perceived wealth, Chinese nationals will
continue to be specifically targeted due to low awareness of security risks, limited crisis management
capability and a tendency to pay ransoms quickly.
This report has been produced by NYA’s East Asia analyst in collaboration with NYA’s in-country consultants.
NYA will be shortly publishing a report on the “Kidnap risk to Chinese nationals in Africa.” To sign up to receive
this, please contact [email protected]
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Kidnap for Ransom Analysis
Europe, Russia &
CIS
2%
Kidnap incidents by region
January - December 2014
Americas
21%
Asia
35%
Africa
30%
Middle East
12%
2014 has seen both a change in percentage share of kidnap for ransom cases compared to 2013,
with Asia now ranking top K&R region and a significant increase in reported K&R cases in all regions.
The significant rise in reported K&R cases in Asia in 2014 compared to 2013 has resulted in a
reversal of the top two regional hotspots for K&R. Asia now retains a 35% share of global K&R cases
compared to 26% in 2013, and Africa retains 30% compared to 37% in 2013. India, Pakistan the
Philippines and Bangladesh continue to drive the significant numbers of K&R cases in Asia,
accounting for 74% of cases in the region.
Despite the reduced number of foreign nationals operating within the Middle East owing to political
instability and conflict, the number of reported K&R cases remains high (12%). Iraq, Lebanon and
Yemen have seen the greatest rise in K&R cases over 2013.
Note: The information contained in this report is based on open source material, including news
articles, and should be regarded as offering a snapshot of global kidnap incidents. Given the
selectivity and incomplete or inaccurate nature of some news articles, the information contained in
this report is not exhaustive or 100% accurate. As such, any conclusions made from this report
should take these limitations into account.
To see all NYA’s K&R statistics, please contact [email protected]
For bespoke security risk analysis and reports please contact [email protected]
20
Kidnap for Ransom Analysis
Kidnap incidents by country
January - December 2014
Colombia
4%
All Others
36%
Mexico
7%
Nigeria
15%
Sudan
3%
Libya
6%
Philippines
6%
Pakistan
7%
India
11%
Iraq
5%
Nigeria continues to be the highest placed with 15% of all recorded incidents. India ranked second
with 11% and Pakistan ranked third with 7%.
As with 2013 Nigeria (15%), India (11%), Mexico (7%) and Pakistan (7%) have ranked top four for
K&R countries, accounting for 40% of all global K&R cases.
The composition of the top ten K&R countries has changed when compared to 2013 however, with a
rise in K&R cases in Libya, Iraq, Sudan and Bangladesh causing these nations to appear in the top
ten, replacing Mozambique, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. Libya has seen the most significant rise,
accounting for 6% of all global K&R cases.
Note: The information contained in this report is based on open source material, including news
articles, and should be regarded as offering a snapshot of global kidnap incidents. Given the
selectivity and incomplete or inaccurate nature of some news articles, the information contained in
this report is not exhaustive or 100% accurate. As such, any conclusions made from this report
should take these limitations into account.
To see a full K&R statistics report, please contact [email protected]
For bespoke security risk analysis and reports please contact [email protected]
21
Incident Management Training Workshops
Kidnap for Ransom and Extortion: Incident Management Training
Workshop
NYA's one-day incident management workshops provide intensive training on pre-incident planning
and response. There are separate workshops for Piracy and Kidnap in West Africa, and Kidnap for
Ransom and Extortion, with dates available throughout the year in the USA, UK, Germany and
Denmark.
Dates confirmed so far:
•  14th May:
•  6th October:
Houston
London
The agenda includes:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
An overview of the global risk
An interactive simulated incident exercise
Incident management plan development advice
Specialist legal advice
Incident prevention and preparedness guidelines
Discussion from a former kidnap victim
Piracy & Kidnap in West Africa: Incident Management Training Workshop
NYA's one-day incident management workshop provides intensive training on kidnap for ransom and
extortion pre-incident planning and response.
There will be workshops in Germany, the UK and Denmark in 2015. Dates confirmed so far for the
Piracy & Kidnap in West Africa: Incident Management Training Workshop are:
• 
• 
19th May:
4th June:
London
Copenhagen
For more detailed information regarding the workshops please please contact
[email protected] or visit www.nyainternational.com
For bespoke security risk analysis and reports please contact [email protected]
22
Company Information
Newsletters, situation reports and World Risk Map
NYA International produces a range of bi-monthly and quarterly newsletters, and regular situation
reports covering both land-based and maritime security events. You can also request access to our
World Risk Map – an online analysis tool containing open source information on global kidnap
incidents. Newsletters, situation reports and access to the World Risk Map are free of charge to
approved business subscribers. Visit www.nyainternational.com
Bespoke reports
NYA International can produce a range of detailed and bespoke reports according to specific
requirements. These harness NYA’s extensive regional consultant network to provide a timely and
accurate assessment of the security risks affecting people and business operations. To commission a
report or discuss your requirements contact NYA: [email protected]
Proprietary Information
This report is based on the information made available at the time of writing and the conditions then in
existence. The submission of this document, which is issued without prejudice to liability, constitutes
neither a warranty of results nor a surety against risks.
About NYA
NYA International is a specialist crisis prevention and response consultancy with 25 years’ experience
of helping organisations mitigate their exposure and respond to incidents of kidnap for ransom,
extortion, marine piracy, illegal detention, emergency political evacuation and related global security
incidents. We respond to between 80 - 100 global incidents each year and have one of the largest
and most experienced crisis response teams in the industry. www.nyainternational.com
Contact us
t: +44 (0)207 291 7700
e: [email protected]
w: www.nyainternational.com
@NYAIntl
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23