Is The Risk Of Kidnap On The Rise?

Often perceived by many to be working towards a ‘greater good’, putting themselves at risk in order to help less fortunate people and respected for what they endure. A typical description of a brave humanitarian aid worker. Talking in terms of likelihood, you would assume these people would be at the bottom of a list to be targeted by criminals.

In recent years attacks directed at aid workers have risen, usually unprovoked which is a worrying thought for threat posed to the rest of society. Since 2014, there have been around 100 aid workers killed each year. A shocking fact for such an omnibenevolent industry. These attacks have been catalyzed by factors such as social degradation of the environment the workers are in or extremist groups not wanting aid to reach the groups the humanitarian workers are helping. Aid workers all over the world are sometimes the only western people operating in the area and therefore the only target. An employee of a western business is likely to be more attractive to a criminal organisation for a kidnapping in comparison to a local employee because of the opportunity to demand more ransom. The kidnappers link western individuals to money and with economies becoming fragile all over the world this urge for money is now taking ruthless and more criminal forms.

In a wider society, the evidence that docile, western aid workers are now subjected to targeted attacks creates more fear and heightens the risk posed to other groups and individuals such as western businesses travelling worldwide for work or high net worth families that travel for pleasure. Kidnap and ransom insurance can provide the peace of mind that you have a bespoke policy in place to protect the affected and reduce the issues that could arise in the event of a kidnap.

If you require assistance with your kidnap insurance then contact us now.

Charlie Firth