In this edition of the Global Kidnap Bulletin, we examine the far-reaching implications of President Donald Trump’s policies on travel security, wrongful detention of US nationals in Russia, Mexico’s escalating crackdown on drug cartels, the impact of organised crime on Thailand’s tourism sector, and the growing risk of foreign national kidnappings in the Sahel.
World news in brief
A roundup of key political violence developments globally. Read the article
Testing the travel spirit: The global implications of US foreign policy
President Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ policies may exacerbate certain travel security risks, potentially fuelling anti-American sentiment and compromising aid worker safety, for example. Furthermore, renewed US-Iran tensions and persistent Houthi attacks on merchant vessels will continue to threaten maritime security in the Middle East. Read the article
Crime crackdown: President Sheinbaum ramps up operations against cartels
Since assuming office in October 2024, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has escalated military-led security operations against organised crime. While there have been early successes, the long-term effectiveness of this approach in curbing persistently high violent crime rates remains uncertain. Read the article
Sealing the deal: The evolving landscape of US detentions in Russia
The February release of Marc Fogel from Russian custody coincided with the Trump administration’s renewed diplomatic efforts to secure the return of detained Americans and recalibrate US-Russia relations. These policy shifts may shape the future trajectory of wrongful detentions involving US nationals in Russia. Read the article
Spirited away: The impact of ‘scam compounds’ on Thailand’s tourism industry
The January 2025 abduction of a high-profile Chinese actor has reignited concerns over organised crime in Southeast Asia, particularly human trafficking networks operating through Thailand. The incident underscores mounting risks that could tarnish Thailand’s reputation as a safe travel destination. Read the article
Full steam ahead: ISSP’s 2025 kidnapping campaign
In January 2025, Islamic State Sahel Province and affiliated criminal networks abducted eight foreign nationals across the Sahel and Algeria – the group’s first such operation since 2018. This development highlights the evolving threat to expatriates in the region and the shifting nexus between militancy and organised crime. Read the article
