The Global Advisor: Spotlight on Latin America | January 2025
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Panamá
Puerto Rico
Criminals target rancher in Panamá Oeste province Multiple armed criminals on 18 November 2024 kidnapped a ranch owner in San Carlos (Panamá Oeste province). The perpetrators ambushed the victim as he was transporting cattle for a business transaction in the Las Penita area. The perpetrators stole cash and demanded a large ransom for his release. The criminals used the victim’s mobile phone to transfer a smaller sum. They released the victim 30 hours later. The police analysed the financial transaction on the victim’s bank statement to track and arrest the criminals.
Kidnapping gang targets teenager in Mayaguez Armed criminals on 29 November 2024 kidnapped a 17-year-old teenager in the Mirabales neighbourhood, in San Sebastián (Mayagüez district). The perpetrators intercepted the victim as he was walking in the neighbourhood and took him to a safe house where they assaulted him. The perpetrators received a tip about a police rescue operation in the area and decided to release the victim. Days later, the police announced the arrest of a suspect.
Control Risks comment
Control Risks comment
Recent cases revealed the presence of a local kidnapping gang operating in the San Sebastián area, however, the police claimed to have already identified all members of the gang. The prevalence of kidnap-for-ransom in Puerto Rico has declined steadily since 2022. Sporadic cases perpetrated by low-capability local gangs are likely to persist throughout the coming year.
Panama is not a major kidnap-for-ransom hotspot, accounting for roughly less than 1% of all cases in Latin America between January 2021 and December 2024. Kidnaps will nonetheless take place sporadically given the prevalence of financially motivated kidnappers across the Panamá, Chiriquí, Colón and Panamá Oeste provinces. Abductions over the coming months are likely to end within one or two days as the perpetrators lack the capabilities to hold victims for longer periods.
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