Kidnapping for ransom, also known as K & R, is nothing new and has always been a risk for business executives and their families.  Even though it is impossible to eliminate the risk of kidnapping entirely, there are preventative measures companies can take to protect their employees.  When implemented correctly, these preventative measures can minimize the likelihood of kidnapping, as well as increase the odds of survival if a kidnapping were to ever occur.   

 

Kidnappings often take place because executives are under the impression that they are not at risk.  By acknowledging the threat, conducting a thorough risk analysis of the environment and situation and developing a risk management strategy, companies can keep executives informed and protected. 

 

A risk analysis includes a thorough examination of the individuals at risk, the geopolitical environment in which they operate and the possible hazards they may face.  Do they have a history of threats?  Do they regularly travel to dangerous locations?  How easy is it to access their personal information?  Do they adhere to a set daily routine?  Asking and answering these questions will help determine the level of risk and aid in avoiding obvious risks, such as advertising travel plans and following a consistent daily routine. 

 

The results of the risk analysis are then reviewed and used to develop a risk management strategy.  The strategy generally includes creating a contingency plan, purchasing quality insurance coverage and hiring executive protection professionals. 

 

A contingency plan should include every possible situation and provide a basis for orderly actions and decisions.  Travel logistics, the safety of the spouse and children and even a plan of action in the event that kidnapping occurs, should all be taken into account.  A well-developed contingency plan should uncover potential hazards, allowing executives to recognize the warning signs of a kidnap situation and further reduce their exposure to threats.  In addition, the contingency plan should also educate and familiarize the company, executive and their families about potential K & R situations, allowing them to better anticipate, cope and make decisions when necessary. 

 

With K & R incidents, physical injury and the loss of life are always possibilities, but many companies fail to recognize the monetary losses that can accrue from ransom payments, business interruption, litigation and adverse publicity.  Luckily, companies can minimize the damage by purchasing corporate insurance policies that cover many of the associated costs.  Certain insurance plans even provide assistance for independent investigations, negotiations and delivery of funds.  Unfortunately, insured executives are frequently more tempting targets because they often equate to bigger ransoms, which is a large reason why many companies keep their insurance policies under wraps.

 

Another important component of the risk management strategy is the hiring of executive protection professionals.  First and foremost, companies must understand the difference between a qualified executive protection professional and the typical bodyguard. While bodyguards may be more physically imposing, an executive protection professional is specifically trained to protect business executives.  They are equipped to identify threats before they happen and have experience in defensive driving, medical training and defending against attacks. 

 

While preparing for threats before they materialize is important, planning a response in the event a kidnapping actually takes place is equally necessary.  Because of the unpredictable nature of kidnappings, it is impossible to foresee the outcome but there are guidelines the victim, their families and employer can follow to improve the probability of a safe resolution.

 

The following is a list of things the families involved and employer should follow:

 

The following is a list of things the victim should follow:

 

The consequences of kidnapping for ransom can be costly and even life threatening, but through careful planning and preparation, executives, their families and their employers can prevent this threat from ever materializing as well as improve the chances of survival.