Read the article published on 10 January 2011 (in French)
Kidnapping has always been surrounded by a certain aura, reflected by Holywood movies: a dramatic situation where it is difficult to remain emotionless, and psychologically, an ordeal that leaves traces ... for life.
However, it continues to grow and is no longer limited only to child-napping, transforming itself into an international business. Faced with increasing risks, Kidnap & Ransom insurance (called "K&R") is proliferating. Never say never.
This type of event is rarely publicized, so statistics on the number of kidnapings are hard to estimate. According to Control Risks, the "most dangerous" countries in 2009 were Venezuela, Nigeria and Mexico, leaving Colombia far behind. Europe has also had its cases, notably with the Greek shipper Pericles Panagopoulos, who was kidnapped and released in January 2009, for which the ransom is purported to have reached many millions of Euros.
(Kidnappings in 2009 by regional geographic zone according to Control Risks)
WHAT TYPES OF KIDNAPPING?
Kidnappings with political motivation are those that grab the headlines, such as that of Daniel Perl in June 2002 (Karachi, Pakistan) while he was waiting for a meeting with Islamic extremists linked to Al-Quaïda. There are other notable examples, such as the hostage taking at the Japanese embassy in 1996 (Lima, Peru) ending in a police raid, or the theater where gas was used to neutralize the aggressors and give up the victims in 2002 (Moscow, Russia) or the assault by police on the school in 2004 (North Odessa, Russia). All were committed to exert pressure and obtain political reparation, but they were not associated with a ransom demand ("political detention"), a risk on the rise in recent years. However, the most common form of kidnapping is the one practices in Columbia and Mexico, where the main goal remains obtaining large sums of money. Even in Columbia, where kidnappers are traditionally so-called Marxist rebels, their well-oiled organization does not hide their ultimate objective: running away with the maximum amount of dollars from a kidnapping.
For companies with foreign subsidiaries, the risk to people is aimed towards either expatriates (alongside local employees), or travelling managers: the favorite targets of kidnap criminals.
LOSS PREVENTION
However, more and more security precautions – a basic rule in risk management – could change the current trend. For example, Par example, using a bodyguard in difficult areas or changing daily routes. You do not have to be a celebrity
According to Clayton Consultants, more than 85% of kidnappings occur on a weekday on the journey between work and home. Most of the targets know this and yet fait to take the necessary measures to reduce the risk. They drive big cars, wear fashionable clothes and take the same route to work every day. Rather than being unpredictable, they play right into the hands of the kidnappers.The best loss prevention strategy is to make sure you have a good “pre-incident” security advisory services company. The can follow the how risk conditions evolve in a specific world region and can help put together crisis management strategies. Furthermore, they can provide training to employees who could become targets of kidnapping attempts. It can be simple common sense attitudes, like remaining alert or noticing cars not usually parked in the street, at your home or office. The cost of these services can sometimes be used to negotiate a reduction in the insurance premium. It should also be noted that certain insurers propose web access to the geopolitical situation in almost every corner of the globe. rich or other grand characteristic to become a target: any Western employee is a source of value for a Third-world kidnapper.
IS INSURANCE ILLEGAL?
Often perceived as being at the boarder of what is insurable (alongside drunken driving and punitive damages, …), article 6 of the French civil code says "You cannot go against … public order laws or to the detriment of others" However, contrary to popular opinion: no French law ever forbade K&R insurance.
The major bias resides in the generalized belief that K&R insurance encourages the kidnappers. Because of the non-disclosure of its existence – explained previously – and the fact that statistically less than 1% of all kidnappings are insured, this argument must be set aside. Furthermore, insurance plays its role fully by mitigating risk in making expert consultants available to respond to such a situation and who encourage preventive measures.
The French authorities demand that insurers respect the local laws (and those of their home country), in order to give them the right to practice K&R insurance in France, which has only been done for a handfull of insurers to date.
