A ransom note demands payment for the return of a hostage, often using disguised writing and threats of harm. Kidnapping for ransom is a global issue, with wealthy individuals and political groups targeted. Piracy also involves ransom demands, with criminal organizations targeting private and commercial vessels.
A ransom note is a note or short letter demanding payment for the return of a hostage. The term ransom comes from the French rançon, which means redemption. The hostage taker sends the note to the person whose ransom demand is made or leaves it at the place where the hostage was taken. The ransom demanded is usually money, but it can be compliance with some other demand.
The writing in a ransom note is usually disguised in some way, such as using letters or words cut out of newspapers or magazines. This is so that the author’s handwriting cannot be attached to the note. The request specifies the amount of money to be paid or the actions to be taken to fulfill the ransom. There is usually a time limit imposed on responding to the note, or it may indicate that the kidnapper will make further contact with instructions on what to do. Sometimes the note itself may contain specific instructions that need to be followed.
Warnings against contacting law enforcement or others are usually included in a ransom note. The note threatens harm or even death to the hostage if his instructions are not followed. There is usually a particular place and method to deliver the ransom. It can also specify the ransom money denominations and how it is to be transported or hidden. The note may also indicate where the hostage can be found if the ransom is met.
Kidnapping for ransom is a worldwide problem. Typically, only the very wealthy are targeted for kidnapping for ransom. Insurance companies provide kidnapping insurance for personal and business clients and give advice on how to respond to a ransom call. The highest percentage of kidnappings for ransom reportedly occur in Latin American countries. These are carried out by highly organized criminal groups.
“Political” kidnappings are also on the rise around the world. The ransom in these cases is used to further the goals of a political group or to finance an insurrection. In some poorer countries, the ransom demand may be the construction of a road or a school in exchange for the release of the hostages.
Piracy has also become a major international problem in kidnapping for ransom. The perpetrators are criminal organizations targeting both private and commercial vessels. In some cases, the ship’s entire crew and cargo are held hostage. On November 6, 2010, Somali pirates hijacked a Korean tanker flying the Liberian flag, demanding a ransom for the oil and the entire crew. The pirates were paid nearly nine and a half million US dollars (USD), believed at the time to be one of the largest ransoms in the history of Somali piracy.
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