Ecuador: Business executive kidnapped in Duran June 26

Event

Police announced on June 28 that an executive at an aquaculture company, who had been kidnapped in the Ciudadela Panorama neighborhood of Duran at approximately 16:30 June 26, had been safely reunited with his family. At the time of the abduction, the victim was traveling in a pickup truck when he was intercepted by a group of men traveling in two vehicles. During the attack, the kidnappers exchanged gunfire with the executive's security team. One of the vehicles associated with the kidnapping was later found in Duran's Ciudadela El Arbolito neighborhood.

Authorities have declined to provide details on the circumstances under which the victim was released or whether a ransom was paid.

Context

The victim was likely kidnapped due to his role in the business community, which his captors probably believed made his family more likely to pay a ransom for his release. The kidnapping comes amid a major increase in criminal activity in Duran and elsewhere in Guayas Province, and just days after the high-profile kidnapping of a dual Italian-Canadian citizen who was abducted by men wearing police uniforms from a restaurant where he was a chef in neighboring Guayaquil. The area is undergoing a major conflict between rival organized crime groups involved in drug trafficking; these criminal groups are likely also engaging in kidnapping in order to raise funds through the payment of ransoms.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of vigilance if operating the area. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly. Vary routes and times of travel.