Express kidnapping
Express kidnapping (Spanish: secuestro express), is a method of abduction used in some countries, mainly from Latin America,[1] where a small ransom, that a company or family can easily pay, is requested. It is most common in Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil.[2] It was frequent in Argentina following its political and economic crisis in 2001.[3] ATM abductions, where the victim is forced to withdraw money from his or her account, are common in many urban areas of Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil.[2]
Express kidnappings have been known of in the US since at least July 30, 1986 when US Representative Mario Biaggi proposed having all ATM networks reprogrammed to recognize that an alternate, emergency PIN had been used to withdraw the cash.[4] Although a 2010 congressional report asserts that the data on "express kidnappings are unavailable" it also notes that the Los Angeles PD has adopted an address system for tracking violent crimes associated with the ATM. By acquiring a master list of ATM addresses, the police are able to track all crimes associated with the ATM industry in their community.[5]
In some parts of Latin America, express kidnappings are also known as a millionaire tour.
[edit] References
- ^ Garcia Jr., Juan A. (July 23 – August 5, 2006). "Express kidnappings". The Panama News 12 (14). http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_12/issue_14/business_05.html.
- ^ a b Shyman, Rose. "International: Women at Work". SecurityManagement.com. http://www.securitymanagement.com/library/000867.html. Retrieved December 7, 2006.
- ^ "Express kidnapping a way of life". The Telegraph (The Sydney Morning Herald). August 20, 2002. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/19/1029114079734.html.
- ^ US Congressional Record. July 30, 1986. pp. 18232.
- ^ "Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009". Bureau of Economics, Federal Trade Commission. April 2010. http://ftc.gov/os/2010/05/100504creditcardreport.pdf.
