Oh, the...
Posted on 12/15/2008 12:23:01 PM PST by NormsRevenge
MONTERREY, Mexico (Reuters) – Mexican gunmen have kidnapped a U.S. security consultant who negotiated the release of dozens of kidnap victims in Latin America.
Gunmen abducted Felix Batista outside a restaurant last Wednesday in the relatively safe northern industrial city of Saltillo in Coahuila state, Mexican authorities and his employer, security consultancy ASI Global, said on Monday.
Batista, a Miami-based Cuban American credited with negotiating the release of victims abducted by Colombian rebels, was snatched after he stepped outside the restaurant, answering a call on his cellular phone, Mexican media said.
The U.S. embassy in Mexico City said it was investigating and declined to comment further.
"He may have been targeted by organized crime in an attempt to show their power. Saltillo is not a kidnapping hot spot," said a source at Coahuila state attorney general's office.
Batista's employer, Houston-based ASI Global, denied Mexican media reports that he was a former FBI agent and said he was on a private trip in Coahuila state near Texas, giving seminars on security.
"We have requested help from the FBI and the Mexican authorities," said ASI Global's President Charlie LeBlanc.
Hundreds of people are kidnapped in Mexico every year and the number of victims has increased sharply as drug gangs, under pressure from President Felipe Calderon's army-backed crackdown, seek new revenues to fund their operations.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
He deserves to have his photo in the next edition of Webster’s Dcitionary next to the entry for Irony.
That’s got to be embarrassing...
It’s ironic all right, but I’m praying for his safety.
It's Mexico. The government is corrupt everywhere.
All joking aside, so am I.
This is a tragic story...and more evidence that we need to stop pandering to Mexico and its illegals....no amnesty, no NAFTA, no North American Union...
Oh, the...
He didn’t get the memo...
Perhaps he is just doing research.
I know an oil field guy who was kidnapped in Colombia and held for a few months until his company could work out an arrangement for his release.
On the last night of his captivity, the kidnappers threw a party for him with a big meal and plenty to drink. He even has pictures.
He still is in contact with a few of the "guys" (kidnappers).
In Colombia 20-40 years ago kidnapping was simply business, today in Mexico it is not.
This guy may not come out alive.
***He deserves to have his photo in the next edition of Webster’s Dcitionary next to the entry for Irony.***
Not the first time. It happened to Terry Waite in January 20, 1987, Lebanon.
I wonder if this guy is beta testing a new GPS-equipped transponder chip that is now being used to track his exact whereabouts?
Jeez, I HATE when that happens! I guess that’s why they make us do the AT/FP training every year...
Colonel, USAFR
My instinct is that this is an inside job. Just think, after forking over millions of $$$ to kidnappers over the years, why not make some $$$ yourself by staging your own kidnapping. I know, you can see the sparkle of my tinfoil...lol.
'Be Aware Of Your Surroundings' was #1 on this experts' list, I don't take it.
My coworker and friend is going to Guadalajara tomorrow on business. He is Asian so he will stand out like a sore thumb. I told him to REALLY pay attention to his surroundings. Personally, I would be dubious about going right now, but we all have to work.
Ping!
If you want on, or off this S. Texas/Mexico ping list, please FReepMail me.
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