Brazil: “Lightning Kidnapping” Increases in Urban Centers
By Larry Habegger and Laurie Weed | Permalink
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No Comments | July 18th, 2012 | Trackback
Called “sequestro relampago,” or “lightning kidnapping” in Brazil, an express-style armed robbery/abduction targeting foreigners is on the rise, particularly in large cities such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Typically, victims are forced into a car at gunpoint—or knife-point—and taken to multiple ATMs to withdraw cash until they hit their daily limit. Once the cash is handed over, the victim is usually released unharmed or with minor injuries. Another version common throughout Latin American, known as the “millionaire’s tour,” involves robbery in illegal taxicabs, which are usually controlled by local gangs. Visitors to major urban centers are advised to avoid walking alone at night, and to use licensed cabs whenever possible.
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