Countering Kidnapping and Extortion

Kidnapping and extortion are egregious crimes that can have devastating effects on not only the individuals directly affected, but on society as a whole. Terrorist groups have been known to use kidnapping and extortion as a means of financing their operations. Kidnapping for ransom has become a tactic of terrorists seeking to blackmail concessions from governments and officials. In recent years, Member States representatives and counter-terrorism officials have expressed the need to strengthen capacities of countries, especially fragile and conflict-affected States, to enable their criminal justice systems, intelligence services and law enforcement institutions to effectively address kidnapping and extortion by using the latest technologies and techniques. Beginning with the launch of our Counter-Kidnapping Manual in 2006, The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been committed to supporting Member States in their efforts to counter these threats, providing assistance in developing preventative measures and responses that are both effective and in accordance with our commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

Projects

In partnership with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), UNODC launched The Kidnap for Ransom Project in February 2021. The goal of the project is to enhance the capacities and capabilities of Member States to prevent, investigate, and counter kidnap for ransom (including maritime kidnapping for ransom) through legal, institutional, and operational technical assistance.

As part of this project, UNOCT and UNODC launched an updated version of the United Nations Manual of Guidance for Countering Kidnapping and Extortion. The manual seeks to provide Member States with good practices, tactics and strategies identified by experienced practitioners in the field of investigation of kidnapping from around the world. It is designed to be of assistance to policymakers, senior law enforcement officials and practitioners involved in the prevention and investigation of kidnapping and extortion offences.

Due to the sensitivity of the material contained within the module, it is not publicly available online. To request a copy please contact us directly.