Kidnappings and extortion have been raising concerns in the borderland city of El Paso, Texas.
The victims of these crimes are often migrants who cross the border or individuals residing at local hotels in the city.
Family victims are blackmailed by ongoing “virtual kidnappings” in which they are forced to pay thousands of dollars for the “release” of a family member. Victims are forced to send images that show themselves in a situation of jeopardy. Victims are often told that there is a group of “armed enforces” outside if they do not coincide with what is requested.
“What happens is an individual will call you – typically from a phone outside the U.S. – keep you on the phone and prey on your panic, your emotions. He doesn’t give you enough time to think,” said Jeffrey R. Downey, FBI special agent in charge in El Paso.
For more information on this ongoing situation, please visit the article published by BorderReport, down below.
Virtual_Kidnappings_Borderland
