Haiti: Two Dominican nationals kidnapped in Port-au-Prince Feb. 20 /update 1

Event

A group of armed individuals kidnapped two Dominican filmmakers and a Haitian interpreter in the south of Port-au-Prince Feb. 20. The incident is said to have occurred in an area known as 5th Avenue Bolosse at the southern entrance to the capital, at around 2200. The victims were traveling from Jacmel to Port-au-Prince in a convoy and were reportedly accompanied by police escorts. The assailants also reportedly stole expensive cinematography equipment in the victim's vehicle. Media reports indicate that the assailants have demanded a USD 2 million ransom.

Context

The incident highlights the elevated threat of kidnapping in Haiti. A UN Security Council report has indicated that kidnappings in Haiti increased by 200 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year. Criminal gangs are responsible for many of the kidnappings and the police lack the capabilities to combat violent crime and kidnappings. The country's elevated crime levels, including kidnapping, coincide with Haiti's severe economic and political crisis.