Colombia police rescue kidnapped businessman

Police in central Colombia have rescued a businessman held by “organized crime group” for 55 days, local media reported Monday.

The victim was kidnapped on November 4 in Topaipi, Cundinamarca department, 80km north of Bogota, having been lured there by a call requesting a business meeting, according to local media. He was then drugged with a substance suspected to be scopolamine and kidnapped at gunpoint, says a police statement.

Nestor Alberto Vargas Rios, a businessman of 55 years, was rescued by anti-kidnapping police in a rural area of the municipality of La Victoria, Boyaca on Friday. The kidnappers had demanded $850,000 for his release.

The businessman owns several beauty salons and a health center. Police describe the kidnappers as an “organized crime group,” while local media describe them as “common criminals.”

Two kidnappers were captured during the police operations and a gun was also found.

Police say kidnappings in Colombia have fallen 17% in Colombia between 2011 and 2012.

Related posts

Former presidents of Colombia’s congress formally accused of corruption

Former president maintains control over Colombia’s Liberal Party

UN Security Council extends monitoring of Colombia’s peace process