The Global Advisor: Spotlight on Latin America | January 2025
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Colombia
Kidnappers release businessman and engineer in Timba (Valle del Cauca department) Kidnappers initially abducted the two victims on separate dates in Jamundi (Valle del Cauca department), targeting the businessman on 8 July and the engineer on 9 August. The perpetrators reportedly demanded COP 1bn (USD 247k) for the release of the businessman and sabotaged equipment on his mining site in retaliation for a lack of payment. The kidnappers released both men, in Timba, on 4 November.
Kidnappers kill two men travelling in Cesar department
Unidentified criminals on 15 November 2024 kill two businessmen on the outskirts of Valledupar (Cesar department). The victims travelled to Yopal (Casanare department) to purchase heavy construction machinery where the perpetrators ambushed their vehicle. The criminals moved them to an area near Tame (Arauca department) and sent a large ransom demand. Eleven days later, the authorities confirmed the discovery of the victims’ bodies.
Control Risks comment
Control Risks comment
The months-long durations of both cases are more indicative of a kidnap by a left-wing guerilla group than a criminal gang, given the greater capability and operational freedom available to the former. Guerillas will remain operational across the Cauca and Valle del Cauca departments selecting their targets based on the perception of their wealth as well as their professional affiliations.
The threat environment across the departments in the northeast of Colombia will continue to deteriorate over the next 12 months given the increased presence of the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) dissidents. Recent evidence reveals that these groups are likely to target landholders and the owners of agriculture businesses. Abductions are likely to continue taking place both as victims transit between cities and inside their properties. Fatal outcomes will remain rare, although the likelihood may increase if the victim refuses to comply with the demands of the perpetrators.
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