21 Dec 2023 | 09:21 AM UTC
Ecuador: Foreign national kidnapped near Guayaquil, Dec. 16, released on Dec. 20 /update 1
British national released Dec. 20 following kidnapping in Baba, Los Rios Province, Ecuador, Dec. 16.
Security personnel secured the release of a kidnapped foreign national on a road connecting Los Rios and Manabi Province, Dec. 20. The British businessman and former UK Honorary Consul in Guayaquil and his Colombian partner were kidnapped from their residence by unidentified assailants in Baba, Los Rios Province, early Dec. 16. The Colombian was found abandoned by officials in a residential area in Guayaquil shortly after the abduction. Officials have stated that the crime was financially motivated and that nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Maintain a low profile and refrain from publicizing itineraries. Be alert to suspicious persons and/or activity. Vary routes regularly. Ensure residences have adequate security.
The threat of kidnapping in Ecuador is moderate; kidnappers are more likely to target locals in ransom kidnappings, while both locals and foreigners face a moderate threat of express kidnappings. The most common type of abduction in Ecuador is express kidnapping. This tactic involves the short-term abduction of a victim while they are robbed of their possessions and forced to withdraw money from ATMs. Incidents frequently occur near outdoor ATMs; however, the use of bogus taxis is common. Victims are generally chosen at random based on an obvious display of, or perceived wealth. There have been incidents of foreign nationals and locals kidnapped for ransom; however, victims are most often released unharmed. Kidnappers may hold victims for several weeks, but typically the abductions are short-lived.
