Senior Reporter
jensen.lavende@guardian.co.tt
In just one week, police are investigating three kidnappings—two ending in murders and the third, up to 7 pm, with no ransom demand made.
The latest kidnapping is that of 44-year-old mother Jankie Satie Karim of Anpoo Street, Spring Village, Valsayn.
Police reported that around 9.50 pm on Sunday, Karim was the passenger in a white Toyota Hilux with her family when three masked gunmen grabbed her.
Police said the men, who were in a blue car, pulled in front of the pickup, forcing it to stop along Bassie Street, Spring Village—less than a minute’s drive from her home. The men took Karim, the pickup, her husband’s mobile phone and $500 before speeding off.
The pickup was found around 7 am in Arouca.
When Guardian Media visited her home, relatives said they were advised by police not to speak with the media. Residents, too, were unwilling to talk about what happened.
On July 10, the body of Scott Timala Rambaran was found in a bushy area off Mausica Road South, Arima, two days after he went to purchase a car.
Police said the 35-year-old Rambaran was last seen alive leaving his Fourth Street, Oropune Gardens, Piarco home, driving a white Toyota NZE 121. He had on him $25,000 to purchase a Nissan Tiida from a man known only as “Michael”.
His disappearance and kidnapping came a day after the body of an Arima man was found after a $15,000 ransom was paid.
Police said Kerry Von Adams, 35, of Old Piarco Road, Red Hill, D’Abadie, was last seen alive around 11 pm on July 5 after telling his family he was headed to a bar in Arima.
He was last heard from on July 6, after he called a female relative and said he urgently needed $15,000 in cash. The cash was a ransom demand that was paid; however, he was still killed, and his body was found buried under a pile of grass at the Heights of Guanapo, Arima.
Speaking with the media following Von Adams’ killing, ACP Criminal Division Richard Smith advised relatives of kidnap victims to contact police as soon as possible.
He said police have a success rate in dealing with kidnapping for ransom.
“Last year we had a 100 per cent detection rate. There were eight kidnappings for ransom, and people were arrested and charged in every single one of those matters. The AKU officers are highly trained for this type of situation, and they also have hostage negotiation specialists, so contact the police.”
Data on the TTPS’ website showed there were six reported cases of kidnappings for ransom last year, and three for the same period the previous year. During the same period, kidnappings in 2023 stood at 124 compared to 109 last year.
There is no data available on the website for crimes committed this year.
When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin said Snr Supt Maharaj and ACP Pariman were investigating Karim’s kidnapping. She said that while she was awaiting an update from investigators, up to late last night no ransom demand was made for her release.
