Mexico

As was noted in just last week?s WAR Report, the frequency of kidnapping of executives and mid-level employees?both foreign and Mexican–is a notable trend throughout Mexico . Occurrences in the north, in particular, generally are related to the narcotics trafficking underworld. These cases often involve amputation to prove the gravity of the incident and ultimately death of the hostage, as they are often more intended to terrify and intimidate others. Occurrences in the capital city, in particular, are more crimes of opportunity and perceived wealth. Victims are frequently held for days while they drain their ATM accounts in what is called a quicknapping. In other cases, victims are held in more traditional kidnappings while a ransom is demanded, and often paid.