The frequency of violent kidnappings for ransom continues to rise throughout Mexico, and while many, desperate for a safe return, are meeting ransom demands, many victims are being found dead, often with clear evidence of torture and abuse. These incidents have dramatically increased awareness among business and tourists, creating a residual growth market for what are termed “virtual kidnappings.” (See article link in World Security News).

“Express kidnappings,” with victims carjacked or otherwise driven from ATM to ATM machine until the victim’s credit and cash withdrawal limits are exhausted, are also on the rise. This one-time “cottage industry” that used to target the privileged few is now targeting an increasingly wide range of citizens, expatriates, tourists and others.

Recently, nearly a dozen kidnap victims were murdered in Mexico City alone, creating unprecedented levels of outrage and protests demanding increased protection. Anti-crime groups and organizations are being formed; federal, state and municipal officials are being called to task; stricter laws are supposedly being drafted; and a major march and demonstration against kidnappings and violence is planned for June 27th in Mexico City.

According to a recent study, Mexico ranks number two in Latin America with 3,000 kidnappings, second only to Colombia, with nearly 50 percent of all kidnappings worldwide occurring in the Latin American region. On a national basis, it is reported that nearly 200 deaths occurred from kidnappings since 1996. It should be noted that nearly 90 percent of all kidnappings in Mexico are never reported due to lack of faith and mistrust of local law enforcement and government officials.

This study, and an abundance of media reporting, has created a growing demand for action by civil groups, business and professional organizations, government employees, labor unions and others, and has finally gotten the governments’ attention.

Government officials, law enforcement, and legislators are reaching out across the border for assistance. Recently, Kent Moyer, CEO of The World Protection Group, was a featured keynote speaker at the Simposium Interacional de Suiridad Publica in Mexico City, which was attended by nearly 700 people involved in national security and safety, including Mexico’s Congressional, Judiciary and Law Enforcement leaders, as well as attorneys, corporate, and private security professionals operating in Mexico.

Mr. Moyer spoke by special invitation from the Mexican government based on his extensive career in Private Security, Law Enforcement, and Operations in Latin America. The symposium featured four English speakers including Moyer and representatives from the U.S. Department of State, Scotland Yard and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Moyer’s presentation emphasized the importance and relevance of recruiting, training, and creating incentives for Law Enforcement and Private Security, highlighting the challenges facing Mexico that also challenge the United States’ He also highlighted the value of “working together to combat criminal activity” citing working examples in the U.S. such as Building Improvement Districts (BIDS) where businesses pool resources to employ private security to proactively deter, detect and detain criminals in support local law enforcement.

Moyer has been involved in private security for nearly 17 years and is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business, at the University of Pennsylvania; the Executive Security International Executive Protection & Protective Intelligence with a degree in Criminal Justice; the Executive Protection Institute, and the Los Angeles & Orange County Sheriffs Academies.