Haiti: Foreign national kidnapped in Port-au-Prince area released June 21 /update 1

Event

Officials announced the release of a 32-year-old Chilean missionary in good health June 21. Kidnappers had abducted the victim while he was driving in the Port-au-Prince area June 8. While Chilean police said they had negotiated with the perpetrators, who demanded USD 100,000 for the victim's release, officials did not provide further information as to whether a ransom was paid.

Context

The threat of kidnapping in Haiti is high, fueled by the presence of heavily armed gangs and the country's poor economic and security situations, amid which gangs are attempting to force the prime minister's resignation. Although kidnappers are most likely to target locals, foreign nationals are also targets. 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 face a 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 in the Port-au-Prince area due to the threat of attacks and kidnappings. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. 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 contact with diplomatic representations.