Kidnapping is defined as the unlawful taking away or confinement of a person against their will. It is considered a serious criminal activity as it can cause severe emotional and physical harm to the victim and their family members. The perpetrator of the crime typically demands something of value in exchange for the person’s release, such as money or property.
Modern Examples of Kidnapping
Kidnapping has been a growing concern in many countries in recent years. In 2020, Mexico experienced a sharp rise in kidnapping cases, with 1,209 reported incidents over the course of the year. Colombia also had a surge of kidnapping and extortion cases in 2020, affecting business executives, politicians, and citizens. The United States, unfortunately, has also seen a rise in kidnapping incidents, particularly of children, with an average of 46 kidnappings per day as reported in the National Crime Information Center in 2019.
Legal Consequences of Kidnapping
In most countries, kidnapping is defined as a felony, which is the most serious level of criminal offense that an individual can be charged with. Internationally, kidnapping can be subject to extradition laws and international treaties that may require the extraditing of the perpetrator from one nation to another. The punishment for kidnapping may vary country to country, but normally involves hefty fines and prison sentences that could extend from several years to an entire lifetime.
Kidnapping is a serious offense and a crime that carries a severe legal consequence. It is important to take necessary precautions to prevent such abductions from occurring, or to be able to quickly take action if it does occur.