As Travel Returns, Could Security Risks Increase?

With the recent plans for restrictions easing here in the UK, the hope has returned for many with regard to travel. We know that at Saxon, once it is safe to do so, we will be travelling to meet our international clients and get back to attending events and shows!

Naturally, with the increase in travel and specifically travel to more volatile areas, the risk posed to corporations or individuals is heightened. A comprehensive Kidnap and Ransom insurance policy that protects you in the event of, for example, a kidnap, threat or detention is highly advised for peace of mind when visiting high risk areas.

Despite the international restrictions, the presence of Kidnap and Ransom is unfortunately, still prevalent. As mentioned before, a shrinking economy creates a treacherous landscape as the pressure placed on society can result in groups or individuals turning to unlawful and violent means to generate income, such as kidnapping. Whether an express kidnap, often reported more frequently in Latin America or a common kidnap that could occur anywhere in the world, this broad type of illegal activity appeals to criminals due to the opportunity for ‘quick money’.

There is potential for increased security risks as more people turn to kidnapping because of perpetrator experience, which could put the life of the victim at more risk. Individuals or groups who have previously been involved in crimes such as robbery and are now turning towards kidnapping because of the economic draw could be prone to out of the ordinary actions when put in the stressful and unfamiliar environment of a negotiation scenario. Perpetrators who are new to this criminal activity could become frightened or confused and their judgement could be blurred in a high pressure scenario. This new wave of criminals could put victims at a greater risk than before therefore a Kidnap and Ransom insurance policy, which provides access to experienced crisis consultants who deploy to kidnap incidents, could prove highly effective.

Internationally, there are areas more commonly affiliated with kidnappings such as Latin America or places in Africa. In Latin America, the majority presume Mexico to be a high risk area for kidnappings and the rates are indeed high, in 2019 there were 219 investigated kidnapping events in Mexico alone on top of this, it is difficult to reach a complete number of kidnappings as many go un-reported. In the later months of 2020, it was reported that around 73,000 Mexicans are still missing. However, there are other areas in Latin America that are experiencing rising rates of kidnap such as Haiti. Around December, 2020 there were 14 reported kidnappings for ransom in the space of 7 days, solely in the Port-au-Prince area. In 2020 alone there were around 200 reported kidnappings which is worrying compared to the 78 events in 2019. Even at the time of this article, there is a negotiation underway to secure the safe release of members of a film crew who were kidnapped and allegedly, a USD 2,000,000 ransom has been demanded.

Aside from Latin America, Africa as a continent is also prone to recording higher levels of kidnap and contributed to 65% of the kidnapped foreign citizens during the middle months of 2020. A contributing factor to these high rates is the level of piracy activity in the Gulf of Guinea, larger groups at sea are becoming victims of kidnap and the attacks are seemingly occurring more frequently. Earlier this month, there were reports of a group of pirates who were responsible for four incidents that targeted different vessels (including a believed kidnapping and hijacking) in a very short space of time. The intensity of the piracy activity in this region demonstrates the risk that individuals who operate in these areas are faced with and increases the importance of Kidnap and Ransom insurance.

As travel begins to return for both business and pleasure, criminals and criminal organisations who have predominately targeted local nationals whilst international travel restrictions have been enforced could begin to target foreign citizens. This increases the risk when travelling around the world, not only in high risk areas, and it could be that criminal perpetrators will not distinguish against who they target.

Kidnap and Ransom insurance is important to provide not only the financial protection in the case of an unforeseen event but also to provide the access to crisis consultants, that you could require, who are in place to help resolve situations in the safest possible way. If you travel widely, either for work purposes or private interests then we would recommend that you have a Kidnap and Ransom policy in place to ensure that you are comprehensively covered if the unexpected was to occur. Please get in touch with me directly to discuss more about this specialist insurance.

Charlie Firth