Haiti: Unknown individuals kidnap American pastor and daughter in Port-au-Prince Dec. 24

Event

Unknown individuals kidnapped two American nationals in Port-au-Prince Dec. 24. The victims are reportedly the leader of the Miami-based Inter-American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist church and his daughter. Reports suggest the abduction occurred after the victims left Adventist Hospital at around 1800 and were on their way to a relative's home in the city. Local reports claim the pastor and his daughter are safe and are in contact with their family. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a USD 5 million ransom.

Context

The threat of kidnapping in Haiti is high; kidnappers are most likely to target locals. The most common types of abduction in Haiti include basic opportunistic kidnap-for-ransom, express kidnapping, and virtual kidnapping. Criminal gangs are responsible for many of the kidnappings. These groups often target foreigners in the capital, particularly those traveling alone. Police officers have been directly and indirectly involved in many kidnappings cases. Foreign victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly; however, local victims may face the threat of injury or death during confinement. Kidnapping poses the greatest threat in Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien.