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Panamanian journalist victim of "express kidnapping"

Express Kidnapping or "Secuestro Expres" is a fairly new crime imported from Colombia

They hold you for a short period of time (1 hr to 24 hrs depending on the amount), they threaten you and go through your belongings and force you either go with them to different ATMs to withdraw money or give them your PIN #s or they may call a relative asking for a specific sum, usually under $5K depending on who you are.

This time a Panamanian journalist and Communications Manager of the National Lottery was the victim. The victim boarded a taxi who later stopped and another male got in, pointing a knife at her, going through her belongings, stealing some of her stuff and getting access to her credit cards and bank cards. She was also warned they could've done more to her had they not been in a rush. Her ordeal lasted about 1 hr.

Red flags (mainly in PC)

do not let your taxi driver stop for other passengers. This is against the law and as the main passenger you are in your right to refuse boarding of someone else, or you can get out at the stop.

 

do not board taxis that are currently occupied

do not flash valuables in your pocket or show off jewelry

http://www.tvn-2.com/nacionales/Periodista-panamena-victima-secuestro-expres_0_4660033976.html

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One of the reasons the law makers introduced the legislature changing the law

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Replies

  • No, in  Boquete it is the norm and accepted, however you can request not to, just pay the full fare. They do this in Boquete to lower their taxi fares.

    In PC which is where most of these crimes occur it is an issue, and people often get mugged etc. So whenever possible in PC, make sure you are the only one riding and that your driver does not let anyone else in the car. As a passenger you have the right to say NO and he cannot force you to

    • When one first gets in the taxi, one can ask for a private ride or viaje privado.
      • Yes typically known as una carrera more sonin bigger places like PC, David etc or at night
  • Thank you for this information Olga.

  • I have a life and value the life of others as well. Making people aware of reality is not a bad thing. That is the HUGE mistake some expats make, thinking they live sheltered in the huge bubble Boquete is, reality check, all of us are strangers in Panama, more so in the city and need to be aware of what goes on, it is life deal with it and be thankful people like me tell others about it, remember this page os visited by non expats and would be expats aa a source of information
  • ARF - you represent an organization that does good work.  However,  this post does not reflect well upon it.  I would think twice before dealing with you.  "Get a life" - really?  No wonder more members don't post on Ning.  A simple post and the attacks begin.

    And Jim - "Your (sic) strange"?

    What in the world has happened to civility?  Are people so unhappy that they use the Internet to lash out?  Sad.

     

    • I am so terribly sorry.  I was helping ARF with postings and did not realize that I was not signed out and in under my name.

      This is my opinion only and not that of ARF.  You know that I very rarely post replies to discussions. The reason why I did this this is because people are generally scared by these types of postings and I do not feel that this reflects the community of Boquete as a whole.

      • Both apologies accepted.

        I do feel that people need to be aware of these happenings. New people who come to Boquete think of it as "Paradise" and that nothing bad happens in "Paradise". They are in - what one poster wrote about a while ago - newcomers' "honeymoon phase". Some weren't here for Boquete's crime spree in which there were beatings, shootings, a stabbing, robbery, burglary, home invasions, attempted murder and murder where the resident was holding his hands up in surrender. One's viewpoint changes when they or their friends have been affected.

        Yes, crime happens everywhere, but this is a relatively small village. And people from Boquete do go to Panama City. An acquaintance of mine, who lives in Costa Rica, had a similar taxi incident when returning there after a visit out of the country. I feel that ex-pats tend to be adventurous people who appreciate, but are not frightened by, a
        report of something of this nature. Helps to keep us aware.
    • Jan, please note that post was not meant to be a representation of ARF.  The post has been removed, and steps have been taken to correct the situation.  Apologies.

  • Thank you Olga for helping to raising everyone’s situational awareness! Yes this kind of stuff can happen anywhere in Panama and just because one lives in a small township far away from the big cities and believes that they are insulated from these types of crimes are foolish.

    Smart people are those who take personal security serious regardless of where they live in the world where as those who neglect their duties and or choose to delegate their personal responsibilities as it relates to safety and security have simply resigned themselves to being victims.

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