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sms

Nov 8, 2003, 8:57 AM

Post #1 of 6 (1139 views)

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Sequestros still a problem?

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Hello,

I have been absent from this forum for about two years, so I apologize if I ask a question that has been already answered/debated recently.

In any event, I would appreciate an update about the kidnapping situation in Mexico. Last I looked at it (a few years back), the problem was prevalent especially in DF, and tended to be targeted towards wealthy Mexicans. I am wondering about the situation today, in particular as it relates to kidnapping risk for tourists.

Thank you!

geri

Nov 8, 2003, 11:20 AM

Post #2 of 6 (1110 views)

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Re: [sms] Sequestros still a problem?

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Almost all my Mexican friends think it's a big problem. Some have family members who have been kidnapped. Kidnappings or attempted kidnappings of teenagers from private schools have occurred in Oaxaca in recent years. I think there are many instances that don't get into the newspapers. This is what Mexicans tell me.

As far as I know, it's not a big problem with tourists, perhaps because tourists are becoming more savvy because of the Internet, especially re problems with taxis in DF. So far, in Oaxaca, it's safe to flag down a street taxi.

johanson

Nov 8, 2003, 3:56 PM

Post #3 of 6 (1073 views)

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Re: [geri] Sequestros still a problem?

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A rich Mexican friend of mine from Guadalajara, received threats demanding monthly payments just last month. He refused to pay, and so far nothing bad has happened. But his family has had to take precautions.

(This post was edited by johanson on Nov 8, 2003, 3:57 PM)

raferguson

Nov 8, 2003, 10:59 PM

Post #4 of 6 (1035 views)

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Re: [sms] Sequestros still a problem?

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As far as I can tell, it is still a substantial problem. Since the rich have acquired armored cars and bodyguards, the kidnappers are moving downmarket to softer targets, the middle class. There is also the "express" kidnapping, where they grab someone for a short time to get a small amount of money, whatever someone can get from an ATM, rather than go for a rich kid that they hold for months to extort as much as possible from the distressed family.

The DF is probably number one in kidnapping, but I think that Morelos, Mexico state, and Guerrero states are close behind.

I have not seen much evidence of substantial improvement in crime, despite what the politicians proclaim.

http://www.fergusonsculpture.com

alex .

Nov 12, 2003, 1:37 PM

Post #5 of 6 (972 views)

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Re: [sms] Sequestros still a problem for the locals

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Kidnapping has various motivations. It can be used as a means of vengeance for harm done (eye for an eye....) or during court proceedings as a means to "convince" someone to drop their complaint. Kidnapping done for the traditional monetary reasons can be directed toward families who have relatives working in the US. So my estimate of the level of risk for a tourist is quite low.
Alex

alex .

Nov 13, 2003, 8:31 AM

Post #6 of 6 (926 views)

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Re: [johanson] Fake Sequestros a problem also

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Every so often I get a 3am phone call telling me that they have relative so-and-so , send $xxxx to Western Union office xyz (usually Agua Prieta) right away. What happens is that many folks trying to cross utilizing the services of a coyote don't make it. The coyote relieves the client of his possesions which include cash, photos from home, and contact info on the other side, and then abandons him . The coyotes then start making phone calls, from Mexico, in the middle of the night to catch you unawares. They really are a venomous lot.
Alex