Express kidnapping

Express kidnapping (Spanish: secuestro exprés, Portuguese: sequestro relâmpago), is a method of abduction where a small immediate ransom is demanded, often by the victim being forced to withdraw money from his or her ATM account.[1]

Known in the US since at least 1986,[2] they are more commonly associated with urban areas of Latin America, such as Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, and Argentina.[3] In some parts of Latin America, express kidnappings known as a millionaire tour (in Spanish Paseo millonario), involve an innocent taxi cab passenger and a criminal driver, who stops to pick up associates. The passenger is taken to a variety of ATMs, and forced to "max out" their bank card at each.[4]

References

  1. "Express kidnappings on the rise in Panama". November 28, 2010.
  2. "US Congressional Record". July 30, 1986: 18232.
  3. "Express kidnapping a way of life". The Telegraph. The Sydney Morning Herald. August 20, 2002.
  4. "Twin Cities", 2009, The Atlantic
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