Haiti: Assailants kidnap an Italian national in Croix de Bouquets, Ouest Department, June 1

Event

Assailants kidnapped an Italian national in Croix de Bouquets, Ouest Department June 1. A local gang took the individual hostage while he was working at a construction site. The gang has reportedly demanded a ransom of USD 500,000. Additional information related to the incident has not been disclosed.

Croix de Bouquets is located around 13 km (8 mi) northeast of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Context

The threat of kidnapping in Haiti is high and is fueled by poverty, the poor economic situation, and the widespread prevalence of arms. Kidnappers are most likely to target locals, though as this incident demonstrates, foreign nationals are also targeted. The most common types of kidnapping in Haiti include basic opportunistic kidnap-for-ransom, express kidnapping, and virtual kidnapping. Foreign victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly; however, local victims may face the threat of injury or death during confinement. The Kidnapping threat is most acute in Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of vigilance due to the threat of kidnapping in Haiti. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly. If operating in the area in the long term, vary routes and times of travel and ensure the use of secure transport. Maintain regular contact with your diplomatic representation.