17 Dec 2023 | 09:19 AM UTC
Ecuador: Two foreign nationals kidnapped near Guayaquil, Dec. 16
Unidentified assailants kidnap two foreign nationals in Baba, located near Guayaquil, Ecuador, Dec. 16.
A British businessman and former UK honorary consul in Guayaquil and a Colombian national were kidnapped from their residence by unidentified assailants in Baba, Los Rios Province, early Dec. 16. The motive for the abduction is unclear. Further details are unavailable. Police are responding to the incident.
Maintain a low profile and refrain from publicizing itineraries. Defer travel after dark. 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.
