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Article: Kidnappers in Brazil Now Targeting the Poor;Rising Number of Abductions in Rio de Janeiro Affect Families in All Income Brackets
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- February 24, 1991
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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Until recently, only wealthy Brazilians had to fear they might
be abducted by a criminal gang for ransom. But now kidnapping is so
commonplace that even the poor are at risk.
In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's kidnapping capital, police recorded
37 abductions for ransom over the last year, compared with 15 in
1989. But experts say the number may be as high as 150. Many
victims' families do not report to the police, preferring to pay the
ransom.
Furthermore, kidnappings have spread outside of Rio de Janeiro.
In the central state of Minas Gerais, for instance, physician
Rogerio Nacur Nagem is awaiting word from the kidnappers of his
2-year-old daughter Samara.
The kidnappings have continued ...