Kidnap threat

As the world becomes more volatile, the risk of attempted kidnapping has also increased.

Kidnapping attempts are more likely to take place when a target is in a foreign country for either monetary gain or political propaganda. However, an attempt may also be made in order to coerce cooperation.

The focus of this article will be to address the threat of kidnap abroad. I will identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities so that you may recognise whether these apply to your current travel arrangements, and you can identify areas that need to be augmented with additional safety and security measures.

Targets are considered to have an increased level of vulnerability if the following factors are present -

Use of unfamiliar public transport systems and taxis

Lack of local geographic knowledge

Language and integration

Accommodation

Red light districts

The list condenses into two key components: location and communication.

The following aspects of your location should be assessed:

Where you are;

Where you want to go;

Local support or resources;

Safety and security of your location.

Only then can you identify your objectives.

Your communication resources will determine your success rate in countering the threat.

Public transport and taxis:

You cannot trust someone who you don't know. How do know if your driver is trustworthy? They might be driving you to an ambush or they could be providing information to would-be kidnappers.

Attack during vehicle transfer is also likely as this will have been identified as a weak point. The abuse of your trust can take place. You may have willingly placed yourself in a vehicle or building that you assume is safe or is not a threat. Therefore, you can be held captive either through continued willing presence (where you are unaware of the threat) or by force.

Companies should have an account with a reputable service provider for airport transfers and transport to and from meetings for their personnel. Use of a public transport system will expose the subject unnecessarily and risk their personal security. It may be at this point that they become the "mark" and may be followed to their hotel or temporary residence.

Local geographic knowledge:

Having geographic knowledge of your locality will enable you to evade a kidnap attempt once a threat has been established or if you have broken free from captivity. This might mean returning to base or seeking local assistance. But how do you know where to go and who do you trust for help?

What resources can you call upon? How do you contact your support team?

These are all things that you will need to consider as part of your security plan.

Local language and integration:

In most instances, business personnel or humanitarian staff will have knowledge of local language and this skill will enable them to communicate with locals where their own language is not an option (possibly to preserve personal security). You will also need to communicate with locals or your support team to access resources. Ask yourself "how will I do this?"

Are you well known to the community through family or business relationships or are the locals hostile to outsiders? Keep a list of local contacts.

Accommodation:

Whether it be a hotel or compound, your accommodation should have 24 hour security. Security should have visibilty of the access beyond the outer perimeter.

Consider whether telephone calls and conversations are secure or can they be overhead or intercepted? Rooms should be searched for listening devices by your security team or a trusted professional.

Brief yourself on emergency evacuation procedures, and locations of invacuation and evacuation green zones.

Know the location of your embassy and any local police stations in the event that you need assistance in an emergency.

Where the risk of kidnap has been identified, additional security measures can be taken such as safety monitoring and a tailored response plan.