Argentina: Increase in kidnappings in the Buenos Aires region

Event

According to media reports, the number of kidnappings in the greater Buenos Aires region has increased this year. In a report released on May 5, journalists claimed that there have been 12 more cases in the first four months of 2017 compared to the same period last year. A total of 97 kidnappings occurred throughout the country, with more than 90 percent reported in the city of Buenos Aires and the surrounding area. On Monday, May 8, students held a protest in Buenos Aires, calling for the government to improve security within the city.

Context

Kidnappings have become an epidemic in Argentina and threaten people from all socioeconomic classes. Kidnappers most commonly hold victims for a short time while family members gather money to pay the ransoms. While victims are usually Argentine nationals, visitors could also potentially be targeted. President Mauricio Macri may make preventing kidnapping a top security priority as he promised to crack down on crime and insecurity after being elected in November 2015. While Argentina remains one of the safest Latin American countries, rising crime rates – and in particular perceptions of rising insecurity – have become a hot button issue in Argentine media and political discourse in recent years.

Advice

Individuals present in Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires, are advised to remain vigilant, to vary daily routines, and to refrain from sharing personal information with unknown persons to limit the risk of being targeted by potential kidnappers. If attacked, remain calm, do not offer any resistance, and obey all demands issued by your assailant(s). Do everything in your power to keep the situation as calm as possible (accept offered food, engage in conversation initiated by your captors, avoid all political or potentially inflammatory topics, do not do anything that would spook your captors, etc.). Keep in mind that kidnappings in Argentina are motivated by financial gain; your perpetrators most likely do not want to hurt you but will likely not hesitate to resort to violence if the victim is uncooperative or aggressive.